US Seizes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s Aircraft

The United States seized an aircraft used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the Dominican Republic, citing violations of US sanctions and other criminal activities. The plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was transported to Florida. This move escalates the already tense relationship between the US and Venezuela, as US authorities continue to investigate what they consider corrupt practices by the Venezuelan government.

The US Justice Department claims the aircraft was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the US. Multiple federal agencies were involved in the seizure, which was coordinated with the Dominican Republic. The plane was primarily used for Maduro’s international travels and flights to a Venezuelan military base.

US officials aim to disrupt financial flows to the Maduro regime, having previously seized numerous assets linked to Venezuelan officials. The situation continues to impact US politics, especially as millions of Venezuelans flee to the US-Mexico border due to the country’s economic crisis. The US also recently called for the release of specific election data from Venezuela, questioning the legitimacy of Maduro’s leadership.