US seizes oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Indian Ocean and expands oil blockade

The United States Armed Forces announced the seizure of an oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Indian Ocean, in an operation that, according to the Pentagon, reinforces Washington’s willingness to apply the blockade on oil exports from the South American country, determined by President Donald Trump, even outside the Caribbean region.

According to the Department of Defense, the ship — identified as Aquila IIwith a Panamanian flag — would have disrespected the quarantine imposed on sanctioned vessels. American authorities said the vessel left Venezuelan waters in early January carrying around 700,000 barrels of crude oil, according to records from state-owned PDVSA cited by Reuters.

The Pentagon reported that the ship was monitored from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, where it was intercepted. In a statement, the organization declared that the operation is part of the White House’s strategy to stop Venezuelan oil exports. Images released show armed US military personnel approaching the vessel from a helicopter.

The seizure occurs amid the expansion of United States actions against the Venezuelan energy sector. Since December, Washington has begun intercepting ships transporting the country’s oil. Last month, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was ousted and taken into custody by American forces, according to official reports.

Under the threat of new attacks, the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez — who previously held the vice-presidency in the Maduro government — last month sanctioned a law that allows greater participation of foreign investments in the oil industry, historically controlled by the State.

Despite this, vessel interceptions continue. Critics classify the seizures as misappropriation of resources and an act of international piracy, while the Trump administration maintains that the measures aim to reduce the Venezuelan government’s financial capacity and push for political changes.

In public statements after Maduro’s removal, Trump told energy sector executives that the initiative could also contribute to reducing international oil prices. Since the change of government, Venezuela has transferred tens of millions of barrels to the United States under an energy agreement. Rodríguez declared that the country received US$300 million for the sales, although American authorities, cited by press vehicles, mentioned the full payment of US$500 million.

United States Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, said in an interview with the Politico website that he intends to visit Venezuela soon to begin conversations about the future of the leadership of PDVSA, the Venezuelan state-owned oil company.