Venezuela threatens legal action over U.S. seizure of Maduro’s plane

Caracas.- The Venezuelan government announced that it may pursue legal action in response to the confiscation of President Nicolás Maduro’s official plane, which was seized in the Dominican Republic under U.S. sanctions.

In a statement, Venezuela described the seizure as “piracy” and condemned it as part of the U.S.’s broader “criminal policy” against the country. The U.S. asserts that the plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was illegally purchased for $13 million and used by Maduro and his affiliates.

Venezuela, however, argues that this action is part of a series of escalations following the disputed July 28 elections, which Maduro won amid allegations of fraud. U.S. authorities claim the plane was illegally exported from Florida to Venezuela and has been used for Maduro’s benefit, with the U.S. Department of Justice vowing to continue enforcing sanctions.