The US has made a bold move by seizing a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, alleging that it was purchased illegally and smuggled out of the country. The Falcon 900EX aircraft was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and transported to Florida, sparking outrage from Venezuela, who called it an act of “piracy”.
According to US officials, the plane was seized for suspected violations of US export control and sanctions laws. An investigation revealed that individuals linked to President Maduro used a shell company in the Caribbean to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the aircraft from a Florida-based company. The plane was then unlawfully exported from the US to Venezuela through the Caribbean.
The US justified the seizure as a consequence of Maduro’s mismanagement of Venezuela, with a spokesperson for the White House national security council stating that it was a crucial step to hold him accountable. The operation to recover the plane involved cooperation with Dominican Republic authorities, who provided valuable assistance.
Despite the US claims, Maduro is unlikely to be swayed, as he has consistently accused the US of interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. This latest incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the two countries, with the US refusing to recognize Maduro’s re-election and supporting his opposition candidate.
This is not the first time Maduro and his government have faced scrutiny from US authorities, with previous charges of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. The state department has even offered a reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction.
The seizure of Maduro’s plane is just the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of US-Venezuela relations, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
