US Seizes Nicolás Maduro's Plane in the Dominican Republic

US Seizes Nicolás Maduro's Plane in the Dominican Republic
Above: Incumbent President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro looks forward during the 'Gran Marcha Mundial por la Paz' in his support on August 17, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela. Image copyright: Alfredo Lasry R/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This move is part of a maximum pressure campaign on the authoritarian Maduro regime at home and abroad that could soon prompt further sanctions so Maduro feels consequences for rigging the election. Moreover, it delivers a clear message that no one is above the law to illegally acquire an aircraft and smuggle it out of the US.

Establishment-critical narrative

It's hypocritical to claim that this so-called seizure has something to do with the presidential elections in Venezuela, given that the US also stole a Venezuela-owned Boeing 747-300M cargo plane in cooperation with Argentina in February. Additionally, Venezuelan bank accounts and assets worth $2B have been seized in recent years.

Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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