Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed on Friday that the United States will maintain sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, following the recent seizure and investigation of two aircraft connected to him in the Dominican Republic.
During his first official visit to Santo Domingo, Blinken met with Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss various issues. He emphasized the U.S.’s ongoing partnership with the Dominican Republic to foster inclusive economic development, reinforce democratic institutions, protect human rights, and enhance governance and security.
Earlier in the week, U.S. authorities seized a plane used by Maduro, comparable to the U.S. Air Force One. The aircraft, which was being serviced in the Dominican Republic, was confiscated for being illegally purchased through a front company and smuggled out of the U.S., violating export control and sanctions regulations.
Following Maduro’s contentious reelection on July 28, Venezuela halted all commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic.
Another plane linked to Maduro is currently under investigation in the Dominican Republic. This aircraft, similar to the one seized, is also listed as a sanctioned asset by the U.S. Treasury.
Blinken stated during a joint press conference with Abinader at the National Palace, “Regarding the plane seizures, we’ve been very clear. We will enforce our sanctions, and when violations are found, we will take action. That’s exactly what we’ve done and will continue to do.”
