U.S. Forces Intercept Fugitive Oil Tanker ‘Bertha’ in Indian Ocean Amid Expanded Sanctions Blockade
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. military forces successfully intercepted the oil tanker Bertha in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s sanctions blockade targeting Venezuelan oil exports. The Department of War announced that American forces conducted a maritime interdiction and boarding operation without incident, capturing the vessel as it attempted to evade established quarantine measures.
The Bertha had been flagged by The New York Times as departing Venezuela’s main oil port in early January, shortly after the U.S. military operation to capture former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. The interception underscores the broadening geographic scope of U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions, extending from the Caribbean into global waters such as the Indian Ocean.
“Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the Bertha without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility,” the Department of War posted on its official X account. “The vessel was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean and attempted to evade.”
This operation follows the December announcement by President Trump of a comprehensive blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela, aimed at cutting off revenue streams sustaining Maduro’s regime. The U.S. Navy has since increased its presence in the Caribbean Sea to enforce this blockade, which now appears to have been extended to international waters far beyond the Western Hemisphere.
According to the Department of Defense, the interdiction involved multiple U.S. vessels, which also captured three smaller boats attempting to flee the scene. The operation demonstrates enhanced maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities, as well as coordination across U.S. military commands.
Experts note that the interdiction of the Bertha in the Indian Ocean signals a new phase in U.S. sanctions enforcement, reflecting a willingness to project naval power globally to disrupt illicit oil shipments. “This is a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate sanctions evasion, no matter where it occurs,” said a former naval officer familiar with the operation.
The U.S. Coast Guard, which frequently partners with the Navy on maritime interdiction, has also been instrumental in enforcing sanctions and combating illicit trafficking. Data from the U.S. Coast Guard shows increased interdiction activity in recent months.
President Trump’s sanctions campaign against Venezuela has drawn both praise and criticism internationally. Supporters argue it is necessary to pressure Maduro’s regime to restore democracy and human rights, while critics warn of potential humanitarian consequences. The latest interdiction may intensify geopolitical tensions, especially given Venezuela’s alliances and the complex dynamics in global oil markets.
As the U.S. continues to monitor sanctioned vessels worldwide, the Bertha’s capture sends a potent signal that maritime routes once considered safe for illicit oil transport are now under close scrutiny. The Department of War emphasized that such operations will continue as part of a broader strategy to enforce U.S. sanctions and uphold international law.
For ongoing updates on maritime security and sanctions enforcement, visit the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Department of State websites.
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