US Military Intercepts Venezuelan Oil Tanker

Vanuatu warns of fraudulent website impersonating government

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. military chased and intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker this week, as part of Washington's ongoing crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports. Meanwhile, the government of Vanuatu has warned its citizens about a fraudulent website impersonating the official Vanuatu government website.

Why it matters

The U.S. government has been actively working to restrict Venezuela's ability to export oil, a key source of revenue for the Maduro regime. The interception of this tanker is the latest move in this ongoing effort. Additionally, the Vanuatu government warning highlights the growing problem of online impersonation and fraud, which can have serious consequences for citizens.

The details

On Monday, the U.S. military intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, after tracking it from the Caribbean. This was part of Washington's campaign to limit Venezuela's oil exports, a crucial source of income for the Maduro government. Separately, the government of Vanuatu issued a warning about a fraudulent website that is impersonating the official Vanuatu government website, in an attempt to scam citizens.

  • The U.S. military intercepted the Venezuelan oil tanker on Monday.

The players

United States Military

The armed forces of the United States, responsible for the interception of the Venezuelan oil tanker.

Venezuelan Government

The current government of Venezuela, led by President Nicolás Maduro, which relies on oil exports as a key source of revenue.

Vanuatu Government

The government of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, which issued a warning about a fraudulent website impersonating the official Vanuatu government website.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the growing problem of online fraud and impersonation that governments around the world are having to address.