The US Army recently conducted an operation in the Indian Ocean where they successfully intercepted an oil tanker originating from Venezuela. This operation was remarkable as American soldiers followed the vessel for a staggering 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, showcasing their operational reach and capability. The tanker, named Bertha, was the last one under surveillance after multiple vessels fled following the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, indicating significant international tensions surrounding Venezuelan oil exports.

The US Southern Command announced the operation through a post on X, detailing how the soldiers boarded the ship overnight and took command. This vessel allegedly violated President Trump's quarantine regulations set for sanctioned ships operating in the Caribbean, prompting the US military's decisive action. This operation underscores the US's ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela and its leadership while also highlighting the persistent global challenges in securing maritime routes.

This operation may have significant implications for US-Venezuela relations and broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. The ongoing surveillance and seizure of oil tankers illustrate the US's commitment to countering illicit oil trafficking from countries like Venezuela, which has faced increasing sanctions and pressure from the international community. Following the apprehension of Maduro, the situation has remained volatile, and US military operations like this one may aim to reinforce compliance with international sanctions and regulate oil flow from the region.