U.S. Forces Intercept Sanctioned Tanker Veronica III in Indian Ocean

Overview

• The Pentagon said it tracked the Panama‑flagged Veronica III from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and conducted a boarding without incident under INDOPACOM authority.
• U.S. officials say the vessel is on the OFAC sanctions list and was suspected of carrying Venezuelan crude in violation of U.S. restrictions.
• The action follows a February 9 approach of the Aquila II in the same region, marking a second interdiction there in less than a week.
• At least nine ships have been seized or intercepted since December 2025 as part of the Trump‑ordered blockade targeting sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela.
• TankersTrackers.com reported the Veronica III departed Venezuela on January 3 carrying about 1.9 million barrels, while U.S. officials describe a far larger global “ghost fleet” of sanctioned tankers.