US Seizes Second Plane Owned by Venezuelan President Maduro

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The United States has formally seized a second aircraft belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The plane, identified as a Dassault Falcon 200EX with the tail number YV-3360, was reportedly involved in evading US sanctions and money laundering, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio emphasized the significance of this action on social media, stating, "The seizure of this Venezuelan aircraft... is a powerful example of our resolve to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable for its illegal actions." This follows a similar seizure of a Venezuelan aircraft in the Dominican Republic last September.

The Falcon 200EX, purchased by the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA in 2017, was allegedly serviced with parts sourced from the US, violating export control laws after sanctions were imposed. The aircraft was regularly used by high-ranking Venezuelan officials during their travels, CNN reported, indicating the ongoing scrutiny and enforcement actions by the US against Maduro's government.

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