U.S. and Indian Maritime Operations Target Oil Smuggling Amid Regional Security Threats in Indo-Pacific and Central Command Areas

The U.S. operation enforced sanctions against vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet while the Indian operation disrupted an international oil smuggling syndicate tied to Iran.

INDO-PACIFIC / CENTRAL COMMAND — U.S. military forces boarded the Panamanian-flagged tanker Aquila II on February 8 in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. This operation enforced sanctions against vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.

Separately, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted three vessels, Al Jafzia, Asphalt Star, and Stellar Ruby, on February 6, 2026 about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, disrupting an international oil smuggling syndicate tied to Iran.

The incidents involve different vessels, locations, and enforcing authorities, with no verified connections between them. Both actions highlight efforts to curb illicit maritime oil transfers amid global sanctions.

These operations occur against a backdrop of persistent regional threats, including piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Iranian boardings in the Strait of Hormuz, as outlined in U.S. maritime advisories.

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