The Pentagon revealed through a post on the social media platform 'X' that the Panama-flagged tanker, "Veronica III," was seized after attempting to evade sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. The vessel was under surveillance from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, where it was ultimately intercepted. The US military shared a video showing special forces boarding the tanker via a helicopter, highlighting the operational capabilities of the US Navy in enforcing maritime law.

This incident follows a similar seizure last week when the US forces captured another tanker, "Aquila II," as part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against vessels suspected of transporting oil tied to Venezuelan interests. The systematic approach of the US in intercepting these ships underscores a heightened vigilance against violations of the sanctions regime, particularly aimed at undermining Venezuelan oil exports.

Since the blockades were ordered by President Trump at the end of last year, this operation reflects a continuous strategy by the US to prevent sanctioned vessels from navigating freely to and from Venezuela. To date, at least nine ships have been confiscated, indicating a string of successful interdictions designed to cripple the illicit oil trade that fuels Venezuela's economy amidst ongoing political and economic turmoil.