The US military has confirmed that it carried out a night raid on an oil tanker named 'Bertha' in the Indian Ocean. According to the US Department of War, this operation involved a right-of-visit, which is a maritime interdiction and boarding procedure used to enforce international regulations regarding sanctioned vessels. The operation reportedly went smoothly, as indicated by a department statement, which shared footage of US military helicopters hovering over the tanker during the operation.

This raid comes in the context of the US government's efforts to enforce sanctions on vessels operating contrary to official orders. The Department of War noted that the vessel was operating in defiance of regulations established by former President Trump, specifically referring to efforts to quarantine sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. This indicates a significant push from the US military to assert control over maritime shipping routes and maintain compliance with international sanctions.

The ongoing operations, including prior raids on other vessels like the Russian-flagged Marinera, reveal a broader strategy by the US to tackle illicit maritime activities and maintain the integrity of established sanctions. By conducting these operations, the US is sending a clear message about its commitment to enforcing international rules at sea, which may have implications for global shipping practices and international relations concerning maritime law.