top of page
US Naval Pursuit and Seizure of Oil Tanker in the Indian Ocean: What It Means

US Naval Pursuit and Seizure of Oil Tanker in the Indian Ocean: What It Means

10 February 2026

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

United States military forces have carried out a striking maritime operation, boarding a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after a months-long chase that began in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel, named the Aquila II, was tracked and intercepted as part of an ongoing US effort to enforce sanctions and stem the flow of illicit crude linked to sanctioned nations and entities.


Aerial view of a large tanker ship with illuminated deck cruising on calm ocean waters at dusk, creating a peaceful and serene mood.

This operation represents a significant escalation in a broader enforcement campaign that now stretches across oceans and challenges traditional views of sanctions policy. It also highlights the complex intersection of geopolitics, naval power, and international trade in an era of heightened pressure on Russia and Venezuela.


What Happened to the Aquila II

In early February 2026, US forces successfully boarded the Aquila II after tracking the ship from Caribbean waters to the Indian Ocean. According to the Pentagon, the tanker was under sanction and had attempted to evade monitoring by turning off its transponder — a tactic known in shipping as “going dark”.


The boarding was carried out without reported conflict, with naval vessels and helicopters deployed to intercept the vessel. While the ship is now being held by US authorities, its final legal status and any potential prosecution or forfeiture proceedings have not yet been resolved publicly.


The Aquila II had been under US sanctions for transporting Russian and Venezuelan oil in violation of a quarantine imposed by the US, and had also been previously designated by the UK for sanctions linked to Russian oil shipments.


Part of a Broader Enforcement Campaign

This operation is not an isolated incident. In late 2025 and early 2026, the United States significantly expanded maritime pressure on oil shipments tied to sanctions against Venezuela and Russia. The expansion included a naval blockade around sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela and multiple high-profile ship seizures in the Caribbean, the Atlantic, and now the Indian Ocean.


In December 2025, the US announced what it termed a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers trading in or out of Venezuelan ports. Military and Coast Guard assets were deployed across the Caribbean and nearby sea lanes. Several oil tankers linked to sanctions evasion, including a vessel known as Skipper, were seized off the Venezuelan coast amid growing international attention.


In early January 2026, a Russian-flagged tanker was also intercepted and seized in the North Atlantic after a lengthy pursuit, illustrating how broadly the campaign has extended beyond Caribbean waters.


The pursuit and boarding of the Aquila II marks one of the farthest known interdictions linked to this sanctions enforcement, illustrating the global reach of the operation.


What the US Says It Is Trying to Achieve

The US has framed these operations as necessary to uphold economic sanctions and prevent sanctioned oil from entering global markets through deceptive means. By targeting what has been described as part of a “shadow fleet” of vessels that evade monitoring and transport crude under false documentation or flags, the US aims to close supply routes that undermine sanctions regimes.


US defence officials, including the Secretary of Defense, have made clear that enforcing these measures is a priority, stating that vessels running from sanctions will be pursued wherever they go.


Sanctions on Venezuela and Russia

Sanctions on Venezuelan oil have been part of US policy for years, but they intensified following political upheavals in Venezuela. The Trump administration escalated pressure after a high-profile raid that resulted in the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, and the broader campaign since has been framed as part of a push to weaken that regime’s economic base.


Sanctions on Russian oil exports have similarly targeted a network of tankers and supporting entities that operate outside standard trade channels. These measures are part of wider efforts by the US, the UK, and other allies to reduce revenue streams that support Russia’s economy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.


The resulting pressure has also fed into diplomatic tensions. Russia has publicly criticised US enforcement actions as hostile and part of an overly aggressive sanctions policy, even as international partners like the European Union coordinate further restrictions on maritime services tied to Russian crude.


Legal and Geopolitical Questions

These actions raise complex questions about maritime law, international norms, and the balance between sanctions enforcement and sovereign rights. Critics have argued that aggressive interdictions far from territorial waters blur the lines between law enforcement and acts of naval coercion, while supporters emphasise the need to uphold sanctions and cut off financial lifelines to sanctioned regimes.


The US maintains that its operations are backed by existing sanctions authorities and legal frameworks, but the debate over legality and precedent is likely to continue as similar operations unfold.


What Comes Next

As of February 2026, the Aquila II situation is still developing. What is clear is that the campaign to enforce sanctions on oil shipments tied to Venezuela and Russia is far from over. With multiple vessels detained and navies deployed across vast oceanic regions, the issue has become a global naval priority for the US and its allies.


The diplomatic fallout, impact on global oil markets, and larger strategic implications will be subjects of ongoing attention in the weeks and months ahead.

Current Most Read

US Naval Pursuit and Seizure of Oil Tanker in the Indian Ocean: What It Means
Discover the Latest UK Cinema Trends and Film Industry News
The Hidden Cost of Britain’s Ageing Infrastructure

2024 Golden Globe Awards: Oppenheimer Takes the Spotlight with Five Wins

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Jan 8, 2024
  • 5 min read

Illustration of Margot Robbie as Barbie
Created with Leonardo AI

In a dazzling night of glitz and glamour, the 2024 Golden Globe Awards celebrated the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. The big winner of the evening was undoubted "Oppenheimer," which took home five prestigious awards, including the top honour for Best Film – Drama. The star-studded event also featured notable victories for outstanding performances, with Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. receiving accolades for their acting prowess. Christopher Nolan added to the film's success by clinching the award for Best Director.


Succession Dominates TV Categories with a Historic Win

The acclaimed fourth and final season of "Succession" made a resounding impact in the TV categories, securing the most wins of the night. The gripping saga of the Roy family earned the title of Best TV Series – Drama, with Sarah Snook receiving the award for Best Female Actor in a TV Series – Drama. The show's success continued to solidify its place as one of the most lauded series in recent years.


Barbie's Box Office Triumph

In a groundbreaking moment, "Barbie" won the inaugural Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award, recognizing its exceptional performance at the global box office. Grossing an impressive $1.4 billion worldwide, "Barbie" stood out among the nominees, including "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."


Diversity and Milestones: Lily Gladstone's Historic Win

The Golden Globes made history with Lily Gladstone's win for Best Female Actor in a Film – Drama. Her stellar performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon" not only earned her a well-deserved accolade but also marked a historic moment as the first indigenous person to receive this honour. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, added to its success by claiming the Best Original Song award for "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas.


Diverse Wins and Outstanding Achievements

The evening was filled with diverse wins, with multiple films taking home two awards each, including "Anatomy of a Fall," "The Holdovers," and "Poor Things." The Best Animated Film category saw "The Boy and the Heron" soaring to victory, while Ludwig Göransson's evocative score in "Oppenheimer" earned him the Best Original Score in a Film award.


Acting Triumphs: Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, and More

Cillian Murphy's riveting performance in "Oppenheimer" secured him the Best Male Actor in a Film – Drama award, while Emma Stone charmed her way to victory as the Best Female Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy for her role in "Poor Things." Paul Giamatti's comedic prowess in "The Holdovers" earned him the Best Male Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy award.


Acknowledging Excellence in Television

The TV categories showcased the best of the small screen, with standout wins for "The Bear" in the TV Series – Musical or Comedy category, and "Beef" claiming the top spot in the Best Limited TV Series, Anthology Series, or TV Movie category.



The 2024 Golden Globe Awards celebrated excellence, diversity, and groundbreaking achievements in the world of entertainment. From historic wins to outstanding performances, the winners of the night have left an indelible mark on the industry, promising an exciting future for film and television. As we applaud their triumphs, we eagerly anticipate the continued innovation and brilliance that the world of entertainment has in store for us. Here is a full list of the Winners and nominees.


Best film – drama

  • Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Maestro

  • Past Lives

  • The Zone of Interest

  • Anatomy of a Fall


Best female actor in a film – drama

  • Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon – WINNER

  • Carey Mulligan, Maestro

  • Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall

  • Annette Bening, Nyad

  • Greta Lee, Past Lives

  • Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla


Best film – musical or comedy

  • Barbie

  • Poor Things – WINNER

  • American Fiction

  • The Holdovers

  • May December

  • Air


Best male actor in a film – musical or comedy

  • Nicolas Cage, Dream Scenario

  • Timothée Chalamet, Wonka

  • Matt Damon, Air

  • Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers – WINNER

  • Joaquin Phoenix, Beau Is Afraid

  • Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction


Best TV series – drama

  • 1923

  • The Crown

  • The Diplomat

  • The Last of Us

  • The Morning Show

  • Succession – WINNER


Best female actor in a TV series – drama

  • Helen Mirren, 1923

  • Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us

  • Keri Russell, The Diplomat

  • Sarah Snook, Succession – WINNER

  • Imelda Staunton, The Crown

  • Emma Stone, The Curse


Best TV series – musical or comedy

  • The Bear – WINNER

  • Ted Lasso

  • Abbott Elementary

  • Jury Duty

  • Only Murders in the Building

  • Barry


Best limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • All the Light We Cannot See

  • Beef – WINNER

  • Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Fargo

  • Fellow Travelers

  • Lessons in Chemistry


Cinematic and box office achievement

  • Barbie – WINNER

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

  • John Wick: Chapter 4

  • Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

  • Oppenheimer

  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • The Super Mario Bros Movie

  • Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour


Best original song in a film

  • Addicted to Romance by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa (She Came to Me)

  • Dance the Night by Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)

  • I’m Just Ken by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)

  • Peaches by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker (The Super Mario Bros Movie)

  • Road to Freedom by Lenny Kravitz (Rustin)

  • What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish and Finneas (Barbie) – WINNER


Best original score in a film

  • Ludwig Göransson, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Jerskin Fendrix, Poor Things

  • Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Mica Levi, The Zone of Interest

  • Daniel Pemberton, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • Joe Hisaishi, The Boy and the Heron


Best male actor in a film – drama

  • Bradley Cooper, Maestro

  • Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Colman Domingo, Rustin

  • Andrew Scott, All of Us Strangers

  • Barry Keoghan, Saltburn


Best female actor in a film – musical or comedy

  • Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple

  • Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings

  • Natalie Portman, May December

  • Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves

  • Margot Robbie, Barbie

  • Emma Stone, Poor Things – WINNER


Best director in a film

  • Bradley Cooper, Maestro

  • Greta Gerwig, Barbie

  • Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things

  • Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Celine Song, Past Lives


Best animated film

  • The Boy and the Heron – WINNER

  • Elemental

  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • The Super Mario Bros Movie

  • Suzume

  • Wish


Best male actor in a TV series – drama

  • Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us

  • Kieran Culkin, Succession – WINNER

  • Jeremy Strong, Succession

  • Brian Cox, Succession

  • Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

  • Dominic West, The Crown


Best female actor in a TV series – musical or comedy

  • Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

  • Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

  • Ayo Edebiri, The Bear – WINNER

  • Elle Fanning, The Great

  • Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building

  • Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face


Best non-English language film

  • Anatomy of a Fall – WINNER

  • Fallen Leaves

  • Io Capitano

  • Past Lives

  • Society of the Snow

  • The Zone of Interest


Best performance in stand-up comedy on TV

  • Ricky Gervais, Ricky Gervais Armageddon – WINNER

  • Trevor Noah, Where Was I

  • Chris Rock, Selective Outrage

  • Amy Schumer, Emergency Contact

  • Sarah Silverman, Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love

  • Wanda Sykes, I’m an Entertainer


Best male actor in a TV series – musical or comedy

  • Bill Hader, Barry

  • Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building

  • Jason Segel, Shrinking

  • Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

  • Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso

  • Jeremy Allen White, The Bear – WINNER


Best screenplay for a film

  • Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie

  • Tony McNamara, Poor Things

  • Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

  • Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Celine Song, Past Lives

  • Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall – WINNER


Best supporting male actor in a TV series

  • Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

  • Matthew Macfadyen, Succession – WINNER

  • James Marsden, Jury Duty

  • Ebon Moss–Bachrach, The Bear

  • Alan Ruck, Succession

  • Alexander Skarsgård, Succession


Best supporting female actor in a TV series

  • Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown – WINNER

  • Abby Elliott, The Bear

  • Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets

  • J Smith-Cameron, Succession

  • Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building

  • Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso


Best male actor in a limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers

  • Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Jon Hamm, Fargo

  • Woody Harrelson, White House Plumbers

  • David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves

  • Steven Yeun, Beef – WINNER


Best female actor in a limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry

  • Elizabeth Olsen, Love & Death

  • Juno Temple, Fargo

  • Rachel Weisz, Dead Ringers

  • Ali Wong, Beef – WINNER


Best supporting male actor in a film

  • Willem Dafoe, Poor Things

  • Robert DeNiro, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Ryan Gosling, Barbie

  • Charles Melton, May December

  • Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things


Best supporting female actor in a film

  • Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

  • Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

  • Jodie Foster, Nyad

  • Julianne Moore, May December

  • Rosamund Pike, Saltburn

  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers – WINNER

bottom of page