Veronica III

The Veronica III is a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker that has been sanctioned by the United States for allegedly carrying Venezuelan oil, thus violating US sanctions imposed on Venezuela. These sanctions were initially put in place during Donald Trump's presidency. The tanker is newsworthy because it was recently boarded by US military forces in the Indian Ocean. This boarding occurred after the US tracked the Veronica III from the Caribbean Sea, indicating a sustained effort to intercept vessels involved in illicit oil trade with Venezuela. The US Department of War stated the Veronica III attempted to evade a quarantine order. This event highlights the ongoing efforts by the US to enforce its sanctions against Venezuela and disrupt the shadow fleet used to smuggle crude oil into global supply chains. The incident underscores the continued geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuelan oil and the lengths to which the US is willing to go to enforce its policies.