Video: US navy hunters chase Russian shadow tanker 10,000 miles across oceans in daring seizure
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a high-stakes operation spanning continents, the United States military has seized another Russian oil tanker, marking the eighth takedown of Moscow’s shadowy “ghost fleet” since January.
Video footage circulating online shows US Navy helicopters swooping onto the deck of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean on February 9.
The dramatic boarding capped a grueling 10,000-mile pursuit that began in the Caribbean, showcasing America’s aggressive push to enforce G7 oil sanctions against Russia.
Russia’s shadow fleet—comprising aging, often-reflagged vessels—transports discounted crude to major buyers like China and India, generating vital revenue to fund its war in Ukraine despite the $60-per-barrel price cap.
The Aquila II, laden with sanctioned oil, was the latest target in this covert armada evading Western restrictions.
