-Friday World, 16th Feb 2026
Washington's aggressive stance has now extended to the depths of the seas. In the vast waters of the Indian Ocean, where international maritime boundaries were once considered a 'safe haven,' the US military has executed a major operation. US soldiers raided the massive Panama-flagged oil tanker 'Veronica III,' halting the vessel and conducting a thorough search. The Pentagon claims the ship originated from Venezuela and was part of the illegal oil trade involving Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. This incident marks the second major US action in the Indian Ocean within the past week, exemplifying the Trump administration's 'Oil Quarantine' policy. What Happened in This Operation?
On February 15, 2026, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) released a video on social media showing US soldiers descending from helicopters onto 'Veronica III.' The operation was completed without any violence. The Pentagon stated, "Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction, and boarding on 'Veronica III' in the Indo-Pacific Command area. The ship was attempting to breach Trump's quarantine—we pursued it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, closed the distance, and stopped it. No other nation possesses such reach, patience, and willpower."
According to maritime intelligence agencies like TankerTrackers.com, this VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) ship departed from Venezuela on January 3, 2026—the exact day US special forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at his presidential palace. The vessel was loaded with approximately 1.9 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil. Since 2023, this ship has been involved in oil transportation for Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, and it was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department's OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) in December 2024. Trump's 'Quarantine' Policy: Full Blockade on Oil
In Donald Trump's second term, the 'Oil Quarantine' was announced in December 2025 to intensify pressure on Venezuela. Its aim was to prevent sanctioned oil tankers from exiting the Caribbean. Following Maduro's arrest, dozens of tankers fled, but the US began tracking them globally, labeling them as the 'Shadow Fleet' (a group of hidden vessels). 'Veronica III' was part of this fleet, operating under false flags (flags of convenience) to sell illegal oil.
The Pentagon's warning is clear: "International waters are no safe haven for illegal activities. On land, in the air, or at sea—America will strictly enforce its sanctions everywhere."
This action is considered part of 'Operation Southern Spear,' in which more than 9 tankers have been intercepted or seized so far. Last week, the Suezmax tanker 'Aquila II' was similarly stopped in the Indian Ocean. Roots of the Venezuelan Crisis and Global Impacts
Venezuela's economy relies heavily on oil, but US sanctions have pushed it toward 'shadow trade.' In collaboration with Iran and Russia, Venezuela operated 'ghost tankers' (vessels without transponders or with fake names), flooding the oil market with cheap crude. This trade intensified after Maduro's arrest, but the Trump administration branded it 'stolen oil' and imposed military-level restrictions.
The implications of this event are far-reaching: → Oil Prices: Global markets may see increased volatility as Venezuela's oil supply chain is disrupted.
Pressure on Iran: Since the ship is linked to Iran, Tehran’s 'Shadow Fleet' could face even stricter measures.
Countries Like India and China: Asian nations buying cheap oil will now need to exercise caution.
International Law: Many countries view this as 'maritime piracy' or 'interference in international waters,' while the US calls it 'sanctions enforcement.' What Are Experts Saying?
Maritime security experts believe this US strategy demonstrates 'global reach.' Websites like gCaptain noted: "This is the ninth ship seized by the US. From the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific—no distance is a barrier for America anymore."
On the other hand, supporters of Venezuela and Iran label it 'economic warfare' and 'maritime imperialism.' The Seas as the New Battlefield
The Indian Ocean, once a peaceful trade route, has now become a center of geopolitical tension. The raid on 'Veronica III' is not just a ship inspection—it symbolizes America's 'America First' policy, where oil, sanctions, and military power converge.
Is this operation the start of new conflicts or the final chapter of old sanctions? Time will tell. For now, the waves of the Indian Ocean echo with the roar of American helicopters.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World, 16th Feb 2026
