On Sunday, the US Department of Defense reported that it successfully conducted a maritime interception and boarding of the Veronica III, a ship that endeavored to defy a blockade imposed by former President Donald Trump. This operation took place in the area of responsibility of the INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command) and was carried out without any incidents. The statement emphasized that US forces tracked the vessel from the Caribbean into the Indian Ocean, significantly reducing the distance before apprehending it.

Since last year, at least seven oil tankers have been seized by the US as part of a strategy to control Venezuelan oil supplies, which is critical to the country's economy. The blockade has drastically diminished Venezuela's oil exports, with normal operations observed only among vessels associated with Chevron heading to the US. This aggressive approach reflects ongoing tensions between the US and the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro, especially since the US has been openly critical of Maduro's leadership and its impact on the Venezuelan populace.

The implications of such actions are significant, not just for US-Venezuela relations but also for international maritime laws and the global oil market. The interception of the Veronica III signals the US's commitment to maintaining its embargo policies against Venezuela and indicates that it will continue to challenge any attempts to circumvent these sanctions. This could lead to heightened tensions not only with Venezuela but also with nations that may seek to support the Venezuelan regime or its oil exports.