Venezuela's foreign ministry condemns the recent US seizure of its government aircraft, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions surrounding US sanctions.
**Venezuelan Government Slams US for Seizing Its Aircraft as 'Brazen Theft'**
**Venezuelan Government Slams US for Seizing Its Aircraft as 'Brazen Theft'**
Venezuela accuses the US of unilateral action as tensions escalate over sanctions and aircraft seizures.
Venezuela has strongly condemned the United States, calling the recent seizure of one of its government planes in the Dominican Republic a "brazen theft." The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 200, was confiscated by US authorities during a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking the second time in less than a year that a Venezuelan plane has been taken in the Caribbean.
US officials justified the seizure by citing violations of US sanctions, export controls, and money laundering operations. Rubio referred to the action as reinforcing the principle that sanctions aimed at upholding human rights and combating significant international threats will be strictly enforced.
Venezuelan officials had relied on this aircraft for international travel to various countries, including Greece, Turkey, and Russia, and had brought it to the Dominican Republic for maintenance purposes. The Venezuelan foreign ministry reacted with outrage, labeling Rubio as "an aircraft thief" and stating intentions to pursue all necessary actions to reclaim their property.
The context of these tensions stems from the US's long-standing sanctions against Venezuela, which the US government attributes to widespread corruption and the oppressive regime led by President Nicolás Maduro. In recent developments, the US has issued financial sanctions targeting numerous Venezuelan officials, especially following controversies surrounding last year's presidential election, which many external observers have criticized as fraudulent.
As the diplomatic standoff continues, rubber-stamped narratives from both sides reflect broader geopolitical conflicts. The US maintains its posture amidst claims of human rights violations, while Venezuela reinforces its claims of sovereignty against outside interference.
