The US Department of Defense announced on X on 9/2 that "US forces intercepted, boarded, and searched the Aquila II without incident in the area overseen by the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM)".
According to the Pentagon, the Aquila II operated in defiance of a blockade order for sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, issued by President Donald Trump. The vessel breached the cordon and fled, prompting US forces to track and pursue it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.
The US Department of Defense posted a video showing soldiers deploying from helicopters, rappelling onto the oil tanker's deck to secure the vessel.
The shipping news site gCaptain reported that the Aquila II, flying a Panama flag, was added to the US sanctions list in 1/2025, accused of illegally transporting Russian oil. The US Treasury Department identified a Hong Kong-based company as operating the Aquila II, though its country of registration remains undisclosed.
Data from the maritime tracking site TankerTrackers.com indicates the Aquila II departed Venezuela on 3/1, operating under the false name "Cape Balder" and transporting a partial cargo of crude oil.
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The Aquila II viewed from a US military helicopter. Photo: X/DeptofWar |
The Aquila II marks the 8th oil tanker seized by the US since President Trump issued a blockade order in 12/2025 targeting "sanctioned oil tankers" traveling to and from Venezuela.
This incident marks the second time the US military has pursued an oil tanker beyond Caribbean waters. In early 1/2026, US officials announced the seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera in the North Atlantic following weeks of pursuit. This vessel was reportedly part of a "dark fleet" that transports oil between Western-sanctioned nations and had been on Washington's sanctions list since 2024.
In 12/2025, the Marinera traveled to Venezuela but did not dock. Despite the vessel not carrying cargo, the US Coast Guard attempted to board it for inspection; however, the crew refused their request. The ship then breached the cordon and fled before its eventual capture.
By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
