US Forces Board Sanctioned Oil Tanker Bertha in Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility
The US military has announced its forces have boarded yet another sanctioned oil tanker, the Bertha, under the jurisdiction of the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The boarding operation was conducted overnight and involved a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction, and boarding of the vessel. According to reports, the Bertha was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.
The Department of War released a statement on Twitter, stating: “From the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, we tracked it and stopped it. No other nation has the global reach, endurance, or will to enforce sanctions at this distance. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned actors. By land, air, or sea, our forces will find you and deliver justice.”
US Sanctions Enforcement: A Global Reach
The latest interception comes just one week after the US military boarded the Panamanian-flagged Veronica III in the Indian Ocean over suspicions it was helping Venezuela avoid sanctions. This marks at least eight oil tankers seized by the US since last year, amid President Trump’s plan to crack down on the supply of Venezuelan oil.
In December, Trump ordered a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving South America. This caused Venezuelan oil exports to drop sharply as only ships associated with Chevron and bound for the US could operate as normal. Experts said in January that loadings had fallen by around 50% to 400,000 barrels per day.
Global Impact of Sanctions Enforcement
The enforcement of sanctions has significant implications for global energy markets. The sharp decline in Venezuelan oil exports has led to a shortage of crude oil, causing prices to rise. This has had a ripple effect on the global economy, with many countries feeling the impact.
As the US continues to enforce its sanctions, it remains to be seen how this will affect the global energy landscape. One thing is certain, however: the US military’s ability to track and intercept sanctioned vessels has demonstrated its commitment to enforcing international sanctions and upholding global security.
Original Article: Moment US military board sanctioned oil tanker in fresh major operation — Co