A fugitive tanker, the Bertha, was intercepted by American forces in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, a dramatic escalation in the enforcement of sanctions against Venezuela. This action follows a presidential directive issued in December, establishing a blockade targeting oil tankers linked to the sanctioned nation, and a significant increase in naval presence throughout the Caribbean.
Intelligence reports indicated the Bertha departed a key Venezuelan oil port shortly after a U.S. military operation aimed at disrupting the previous regime. The vessel attempted to evade detection, but American forces, operating within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, successfully boarded the ship without incident.
The Department of War emphasized the extraordinary reach of the U.S. military, stating no other nation possesses the capability to enforce sanctions with such global scope and determination. This interception demonstrates a commitment to tracking and intercepting sanctioned vessels, regardless of distance.
Alongside the Bertha, three accompanying vessels attempted to escape, but were also apprehended. The message was clear: international waters offer no sanctuary for those attempting to circumvent established sanctions.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier in February, the oil tanker Veronica III was intercepted in the Indo-Pacific region. That vessel, a large crude oil carrier, is specifically designated on the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions list.
The Veronica III has a documented history of transporting substantial quantities of sanctioned Iranian oil, and is connected to a Chinese ship-management company already under U.S. sanctions. These interceptions reveal a complex network of actors attempting to profit from illicit trade.
Officials have stated a firm resolve to deny sanctioned entities the freedom to operate on the world’s oceans. The commitment extends beyond the Caribbean, reaching across continents to ensure accountability and uphold international sanctions.
The Department of War underscored that their forces will relentlessly pursue those engaged in illicit activities, delivering consequences by land, air, and sea. This unwavering stance signals a new level of vigilance in the enforcement of economic sanctions.
