In a recent incident, Venezuela condemned the United States for seizing a Venezuelan government aircraft in the Dominican Republic, labeling it a "brazen theft" amid ongoing diplomatic discord.
Venezuela Exclaims 'Brazen Theft' as US Seizes Government Plane
Venezuela Exclaims 'Brazen Theft' as US Seizes Government Plane
Venezuelan officials claim the US has illegally confiscated their aircraft, deepening tensions between the nations.
Venezuela has voiced strong opposition to the US government's seizure of a government plane in the Dominican Republic, alleging that it constitutes a "brazen theft." The incident marked the second instance in less than a year where the US confiscated a Venezuelan aircraft in the Caribbean. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw the action, which he claimed was justified due to violations of US sanctions, export controls, and money laundering allegations linked to the Venezuelan government.
In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry berated Rubio, labeling him an "aircraft thief." The backdrop to this development includes a series of sanctions imposed by the US against Venezuela due to perceived human rights violations, corruption, and its leadership under Nicolás Maduro. Notably, the US has contested the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election last year, prompting additional sanctions targeted at Venezuelan officials.
Rubio, who announced the seizure during his visit to Santo Domingo, emphasized the US's commitment to enforcing sanctions aimed at countries violating human rights and collaborating with nations perceived as adversaries to the US, such as Iran. Venezuela and Iran maintain a partnership, with Iranian officials expressing support for Maduro amidst US sanctions.
The aircraft in question had previously been used to transport Venezuelan officials internationally, and it had recently been detained by Dominican authorities based on US claims of sanction violations. Venezuelan officials indicated they would pursue legal actions to reclaim the aircraft, denouncing the seizure as an act of theft. This incident follows the previous seizure of another Venezuelan government plane under the Biden administration, signaling escalating tensions between the two nations regarding sanctions and foreign policy.
In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry berated Rubio, labeling him an "aircraft thief." The backdrop to this development includes a series of sanctions imposed by the US against Venezuela due to perceived human rights violations, corruption, and its leadership under Nicolás Maduro. Notably, the US has contested the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election last year, prompting additional sanctions targeted at Venezuelan officials.
Rubio, who announced the seizure during his visit to Santo Domingo, emphasized the US's commitment to enforcing sanctions aimed at countries violating human rights and collaborating with nations perceived as adversaries to the US, such as Iran. Venezuela and Iran maintain a partnership, with Iranian officials expressing support for Maduro amidst US sanctions.
The aircraft in question had previously been used to transport Venezuelan officials internationally, and it had recently been detained by Dominican authorities based on US claims of sanction violations. Venezuelan officials indicated they would pursue legal actions to reclaim the aircraft, denouncing the seizure as an act of theft. This incident follows the previous seizure of another Venezuelan government plane under the Biden administration, signaling escalating tensions between the two nations regarding sanctions and foreign policy.
