Venezuela condemns U.S. seizure of aircraft in Dominican Republic

Venezuela.- Venezuela has denounced the U.S. seizure of a second aircraft in the Dominican Republic, calling it a “shameless theft” and accusing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of being an “airplane thief.” In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry vowed to take all necessary actions to demand the plane’s return.

The seized Dassault Falcon 200, bearing the Venezuelan flag, was confiscated in Santo Domingo with Rubio present. U.S. authorities claim the aircraft was used to evade sanctions and engage in money laundering, with flights to Greece, Turkey, Russia, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Rubio stated that the seizure demonstrates U.S. commitment to holding the Maduro government accountable.

This marks the second Venezuelan aircraft seized by the U.S. in less than a year. In September 2024, another plane was confiscated in the Dominican Republic and transferred to Florida. Additionally, a Venezuelan-Iranian Boeing 747 was grounded in Argentina and later destroyed in the U.S. in January 2024, which Caracas also labeled as theft.