US Forces Detain Russian-Flagged Tanker Aquila II in Indian Ocean
US forces in the Indian Ocean have detained the tanker Aquila II for violating the sanctions regime introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The detention occurred overnight, with the US Armed Forces conducting an inspection, maritime blockade, and boarding of the vessel without incident.
The Aquila II was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. It ran, and we followed. The Department of War tracked and hunted this vessel from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. No other nation on planet Earth has the capability to enforce its will through any domain. By land, air, or sea, our Armed Forces will find you and deliver justice. You will run out of fuel long before you will outrun us.
Russian Shadow Fleet Involvement
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that the tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products from Russian ports in the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Pacific region, including through deceptive practices. The tanker is considered part of the Russian shadow fleet and is affiliated with Sunne Co Ltd, which the United States sanctioned on 10 January 2025 for activity in Russia’s energy sector.
This is another detention in a series of similar actions that took place at the beginning of the year. On 9 January, the United States seized the tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea amid Washington’s intensified efforts to restrict exports of Venezuelan oil. On 7 January, US forces took control of two tankers, including the Russian-flagged vessel Bella 1 (Marinera), which they had pursued for more than two weeks.
International Cooperation and Sanctions Enforcement
At the end of January, a group of 14 European countries issued a public warning to tankers belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet operating in the Baltic and North seas. The warning emphasized the consequences of violating international sanctions and the commitment of these nations to enforcing them. This coordinated effort demonstrates the global community’s determination to restrict the flow of sanctioned goods and services.
The detention of the Aquila II serves as a reminder that the United States will continue to take decisive action against vessels involved in illegal activities, including those affiliated with Russia’s shadow fleet. The administration remains committed to upholding international sanctions and ensuring that those who violate them face consequences.
Original Article: US intercepts another Russian shadow fleet tanker in Indian Ocean — Yahoo