Last mentioned: Feb 24, 2026
Bertha Boarded
US Navy forces seize the Bertha in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant geographic expansion of the mission.
Bertha Seizure
US forces board the Bertha in the Indian Ocean, marking the third successful seizure in 14 days.
Second Interception
A second vessel linked to illicit trade is seized during a night operation.
Second Interdiction
A second vessel linked to illicit Venezuelan oil trade is boarded and diverted to a secure port.
First Seizure
US forces board the first of three sanctioned tankers in the Caribbean basin.
First Seizure
US Navy intercepts the first sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean under new enforcement protocols.
US military forces have boarded and seized the Bertha, the third sanctioned oil tanker intercepted in the Indian Ocean as part of an aggressive crackdown on illicit Venezuelan oil exports. This shift toward physical asset seizure signals a high-stakes escalation in global maritime security and energy supply chain enforcement.
US military forces have boarded and seized the Bertha, the third sanctioned oil tanker intercepted in recent weeks as part of an escalating campaign against illicit Venezuelan oil exports. The operation in the Indian Ocean underscores a more aggressive maritime enforcement posture by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime.