US intercepts Aquila II tanker of russian shadow fleet in Indian Ocean

The US military has boarded the Aquila II tanker in the Indian Ocean.

It was reported by the Pentagon.

According to the US Department of Defense, the vessel violated the quarantine imposed on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. The tanker tried to avoid interception, but the US military pursued it all the way to the Indian Ocean, where it was boarded.

According to the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Aquila II is part of the so-called shadow fleet of the russian federation, which is engaged in the transportation of russian oil. The vessel was probably also transporting oil from Venezuela, despite the US naval blockade.

As part of the operation, US forces have already detained more than seven sanctions violating tankers in January 2026, including the Bella 1, Sophia, Olina, and Sagitta.

Aquila II is under sanctions from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Switzerland and Ukraine.

On January 22, the French Navy detained an oil tanker sailing from russia and subject to international sanctions in the Mediterranean Sea.