In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Venezuela has accused the United States of committing a "brazen theft" following the seizure of a Venezuelan government airplane in the Dominican Republic. The incident marks the second confiscation of a Venezuelan plane by US authorities in less than a year, as accusations of violations of sanctions and international law escalate between the two nations.
Venezuela Denounces US For 'Brazen Theft' of Government Aircraft
Venezuela Denounces US For 'Brazen Theft' of Government Aircraft
Venezuela calls US seizure of its aircraft a breach of sovereignty and a criminal act by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Venezuela's foreign ministry expressed outrage on Thursday after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio oversaw the removal of a Dassault Falcon 200 jet in Santo Domingo. US officials claimed the seizure was justified due to violations of sanctions, export controls, and issues related to money laundering. Rubio reprimanded the Venezuelan leadership, asserting that their actions were detrimental to human rights and the stability of the region, contributing to the justification of the sanctions imposed on them.
The plane was reportedly detained last year after the US authorities indicated that it had been used for oversea trips to nations such as Iran, Russia, and Cuba, allegedly in violation of US sanctions. The Venezuelan government has vowed to pursue all necessary legal measures to reclaim the aircraft, labeling Rubio as an "aircraft thief" and demanding immediate restitution of their property.
This incident is another chapter in the fraught relationship between the US and Venezuela, which has seen Washington impose a range of sanctions over accusations of corruption and human rights abuses under Nicolás Maduro's leadership. The US has continued to challenge the legitimacy of Maduro's presidential elections, which have been marred by accusations of electoral manipulation.
The plane was reportedly detained last year after the US authorities indicated that it had been used for oversea trips to nations such as Iran, Russia, and Cuba, allegedly in violation of US sanctions. The Venezuelan government has vowed to pursue all necessary legal measures to reclaim the aircraft, labeling Rubio as an "aircraft thief" and demanding immediate restitution of their property.
This incident is another chapter in the fraught relationship between the US and Venezuela, which has seen Washington impose a range of sanctions over accusations of corruption and human rights abuses under Nicolás Maduro's leadership. The US has continued to challenge the legitimacy of Maduro's presidential elections, which have been marred by accusations of electoral manipulation.
