US boards third Venezuela-linked oil tanker in Indian Ocean

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressFebruary 24, 2026 at 10:46 PM

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US military forces boarded the Bertha, a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, in the Indian Ocean, marking the tenth such interdiction by the Trump administration since December. The Pentagon stated the vessel was tracked from the Caribbean Sea and was targeted due to its connection to illicit Venezuelan oil. US Southern Command indicated the Bertha was operating in defiance of the US quarantine of sanctioned vessels and attempted to evade authorities. While not formally seized, the tanker was placed under US control, similar to two previous boardings in the Indian Ocean. The operation aims to disrupt oil sales connected to the Venezuelan government.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Trump administration 40% Caribbean Sea ×250% Indian Ocean ×260% Venezuela ×370% Nicolás Maduro ×380% United States ×290%

Keywords

oil tanker 100% venezuela 90% sanctions 80% indian ocean 70% maritime interdiction 70% illicit oil 60% us military 60% trump administration 50% nicolas maduro 50% seizure 40%