US Military Seizes Large Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela in Indian Ocean

Washington D.C. ext{ The US military has seized a large oil tanker allegedly linked to Venezuela in the Indian Ocean. According to the Pentagon, this move demonstrates that the US is enforcing its broad blockade policy aimed at stopping Venezuela's oil exports globally.}

US Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan stated on Monday that US forces tracked and took control of the vessel, the 'Akilah II', from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean. The Pentagon accused the ship of violating blockade rules implemented for sanctioned vessels.}

The ship was flying the flag of Panama and was carrying approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil from Venezuela destined for China. The US administration has called this operation part of its effort to halt Venezuela's oil exports.}

This marks at least the seventh such seizure. US military and Coast Guard forces have been taking control of sanctioned vessels. Further legal and administrative procedures are currently underway regarding the seized ship.}

While the Trump administration has put forward a blockade policy to stop Venezuela's oil exports, critics have accused this action of violating international maritime law and constituting theft, leading to criticism.