Following the confiscation of a Venezuelan government plane by U.S. authorities, tensions between the nations continue to escalate, with accusations of legal overreach and ongoing sanctions.
**Venezuela Denounces U.S. Aircraft Seizure as 'Theft' Amid Ongoing Tensions**
**Venezuela Denounces U.S. Aircraft Seizure as 'Theft' Amid Ongoing Tensions**
Venezuelan officials have labeled the recent seizure of a government aircraft by the U.S. as blatant theft, sparking criticism of Washington's actions in the region.
Venezuela has deemed the U.S. seizure of its government aircraft as a "brazen theft," a claim made public by the nation's foreign ministry after a plane was confiscated in the Dominican Republic under the supervision of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The confiscated aircraft marks the second seized Venezuelan plane in less than a year, with American authorities asserting the action was justified by violations of U.S. sanctions, export controls, and money laundering laws.
In response to the seizure, the Venezuelan government has vocally criticized Rubio, branding him an "aircraft thief." This incident is part of a broader context where the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, citing issues related to corruption, criminality, and human rights abuses linked to Nicolas Maduro's administration. The U.S., along with various international observers, have disputed the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election in the previous year, claiming the electoral process was manipulated.
During his visit to Santo Domingo, Rubio emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to enforce these sanctions, particularly emphasizing the concern over Venezuelan officials allegedly engaging in activities that could pose a threat to the U.S. He pointedly stated that the sanctions would be both "applied and reinforced." The alliance between Iran and Venezuela was also highlighted, especially following a recent statement from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian commending Maduro and denouncing the sanctions.
The U.S. Department of State revealed that the seized Dassault Falcon 200 jet was previously used by Venezuelan officials for international travel to countries including Greece and Cuba, and had been brought to the Dominican Republic for maintenance. Venezuelan officials have pledged to take all necessary measures to contest the seizure of their aircraft and ensure its return.
Notably, this incident is not isolated — in September, another Venezuelan plane used to transport President Maduro was seized under the Biden administration, further escalating diplomatic tensions between Caracas and Washington.
In response to the seizure, the Venezuelan government has vocally criticized Rubio, branding him an "aircraft thief." This incident is part of a broader context where the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, citing issues related to corruption, criminality, and human rights abuses linked to Nicolas Maduro's administration. The U.S., along with various international observers, have disputed the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election in the previous year, claiming the electoral process was manipulated.
During his visit to Santo Domingo, Rubio emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to enforce these sanctions, particularly emphasizing the concern over Venezuelan officials allegedly engaging in activities that could pose a threat to the U.S. He pointedly stated that the sanctions would be both "applied and reinforced." The alliance between Iran and Venezuela was also highlighted, especially following a recent statement from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian commending Maduro and denouncing the sanctions.
The U.S. Department of State revealed that the seized Dassault Falcon 200 jet was previously used by Venezuelan officials for international travel to countries including Greece and Cuba, and had been brought to the Dominican Republic for maintenance. Venezuelan officials have pledged to take all necessary measures to contest the seizure of their aircraft and ensure its return.
Notably, this incident is not isolated — in September, another Venezuelan plane used to transport President Maduro was seized under the Biden administration, further escalating diplomatic tensions between Caracas and Washington.
