US Seizes Maduro's Plane in Dominican Republic Over Sanctions

The United States has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's airplane in the Dominican Republic, citing violations of U.S. sanctions and other criminal issues. The aircraft, which is considered Venezuela's equivalent to Air Force One and valued at approximately $13 million, was transported to Florida by U.S. officials. This action is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to investigate and curb corruption within the Venezuelan government.

The seizure underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly in light of the U.S. reimposing sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gas sector earlier this year due to the Maduro government's failure to permit inclusive and competitive elections. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country amid deteriorating economic conditions, many seeking refuge at the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations, are leading these enforcement actions as part of their broader strategy to disrupt illicit financial flows to the Maduro regime.