The United States has escalated its confrontation with Venezuela by seizing a luxury aircraft belonging to President Nicolás Maduro, which was flown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from the Dominican Republic. This action marks a significant move in the ongoing geopolitical chess game between Washington and Caracas.
The jet, a Dassault Falcon 900-EX valued at $13 million, was described by U.S. officials as Maduro’s personal version of “Air Force One,” used for his international state visits. The seizure was executed due to the plane’s acquisition through a shell company, which violated U.S. sanctions and export controls, specifically Executive Order 13884 issued by former President Donald Trump in 2019.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the seizure, stating, “The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States.” This statement underscores the U.S.’s commitment to enforcing its sanctions against the Maduro regime.
Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod from the Department of Commerce added, “It doesn’t matter how fancy the private jet or how powerful the officials – we will work relentlessly with our partners here and across the globe to identify and return any aircraft illegally smuggled outside of the United States.” His remarks emphasize the global reach of U.S. law enforcement in such matters.
The incident has likely further strained the already tense relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. The seizure follows a pattern of actions aimed at isolating the Maduro government, which the U.S. has accused of corruption, human rights abuses, and undermining democratic processes.
Details from the investigation reveal that the plane was purchased through a Caribbean-based shell company in late 2022, then illegally exported from the U.S. to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023. Since then, the aircraft, identified by its tail number T7-ESPRT, has primarily been used for Maduro’s travel, including state visits, operating almost exclusively from a Venezuelan military base.
This event not only represents a blow to Maduro’s image and mobility but also serves as a warning to other nations and entities about the consequences of violating U.S. sanctions. The ongoing investigation involves multiple U.S. agencies, showcasing a coordinated effort to enforce international law and protect national interests.
The seizure could have broader implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations, potentially influencing future diplomatic and economic strategies between the two nations. As the situation develops, the world watches to see how this bold move by the U.S. will reshape its stance in Latin American politics.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
