**US Forces Nab Another "Ghost Ship" in Indian Ocean** In a recent move, the United States has boarded another tanker ship in the Indian Ocean that attempted to evade the country's blockade on Venezuelan oil. The Panamanian-flagged Veronica III was among several ships that fled Venezuela's coastline after the US special forces raided the country in January. The Veronica III, which was carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil, had left Venezuela on the same day as the US operation, sparking suspicion. The ship had previously been involved in smuggling oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, according to TankerTrackers.com. The US military tracked the Veronica III from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, eventually boarding the ship and shutting it down. This is the second time in recent weeks that US forces have intercepted a tanker ship attempting to defy the blockade. The blockade, imposed by the Trump administration, aims to pressure Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro to relinquish control of the country's oil resources. Several other tankers have been seized in recent months, with at least nine ships captured so far. The US government has announced that oil sales from Venezuela, controlled by Washington, have generated over $1 billion since Maduro's capture, with an estimated $5 billion expected in the next few months. The seizures are part of a broader effort by the US to take control of Venezuela's oil, which has been a major player in the global market. However, the operation has also raised concerns about the impact on the country's economy and the livelihoods of its citizens. The incident highlights the complexity of global oil smuggling and the challenges faced by countries in enforcing sanctions. According to reports, there could be as many as 800 "shadow fleet" vessels operating worldwide, evading sanctions and regulations. The US military's actions in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean have also raised questions about the use of force in enforcing maritime law. In a recent incident, US forces attacked a boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing three people, as part of a campaign to combat drug trafficking. As the global community continues to grapple with the complexities of oil smuggling and maritime law, the US operation in Venezuela serves as a reminder of the challenges and implications involved.