U.S. recognizes opposition candidate González as winner of Venezuela’s presidential election
NBCJul 18
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 Facts
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Monday that the US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) seized a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft used for the benefit of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro in the Dominican Republic earlier in the day.
This comes as CNN broke the news that the aircraft known as Venezuela's Air Force One — and registered to San Marino — was now in US custody. The plane was flown to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., landing shortly before noon.
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.