Venezuela Slams US Seizure of Government Plane as ‘Theft’

Caracas: Venezuela has strongly criticized the Venezuela US plane seizure in the Dominican Republic, calling it “brazen theft” and political aggression.

US Seizes Venezuelan Jet

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw the confiscation of a Dassault Falcon 200 jet on Thursday. This marks the second time in less than a year that the US has seized a Venezuelan government plane in the Dominican Republic.

US officials justified the move, citing violations of American sanctions, export controls, and money laundering laws. Venezuela, however, rejected these claims, calling Rubio “an aircraft thief.”

US-Venezuela Tensions

The US has imposed numerous sanctions on Venezuela over allegations of corruption, criminal activity, and human rights violations under President Nicolás Maduro. These sanctions have targeted Venezuelan officials and institutions accused of undermining democracy.

In 2023, the US imposed financial sanctions after contesting the results of Venezuela’s presidential election, which saw Maduro re-elected. The opposition claimed the election was rigged in Maduro’s favor, a stance supported by Washington.

Rubio Justifies the Seizure

During a visit to a military airstrip in Santo Domingo, Rubio defended the confiscation. He stated:

“The message is clear: when a government violates human rights, engages in illegal activities, and supports adversaries like Iran, sanctions will be enforced and strengthened.”

The US has long been critical of Venezuela’s alliance with Iran. Recently, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Maduro on his third-term inauguration, calling US sanctions “cruel and doomed to failure.”

Trump’s Renewed Sanctions on Venezuela and Iran

Trump reinstated the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran this week. This policy aims to restrict Iran’s economy and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Given Venezuela’s close ties to Iran, experts believe these sanctions could also impact Caracas.

Plane Seized Over US Sanctions Violations

The seized jet had been used by Venezuelan officials for diplomatic travel to countries including Greece, Turkey, Russia, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The aircraft had been in the Dominican Republic for maintenance when authorities detained it last year.

Venezuela Vows to Fight Back

Venezuela has vowed to take all necessary actions to challenge the US seizure and demand the immediate return of its aircraft. The foreign ministry said the move was part of Washington’s broader attempt to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.

This is not the first time the US has taken action against Venezuelan government assets. In September 2023, under then-President Joe Biden, the US confiscated another Venezuelan jet in the Dominican Republic. That aircraft had previously been used by Maduro for international trips.

The Bigger Picture

The ongoing conflict between the US and Venezuela is part of a larger geopolitical struggle. Washington continues to pressure Caracas through economic sanctions, while Venezuela strengthens its alliances with Iran, Russia, and other US adversaries.

As tensions escalate, Venezuela insists it will not back down. The dispute over the seized aircraft is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.