Venezuela accused Argentina and the United States of orchestrating a “brazen theft” of a Boeing 747 owned by Venezuelan stateowned company Emtrasur. The plane, which was detained for almost two years at Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza, Argentina, was sent to South Florida on Monday (12).
Venezuela's reaction
In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said it categorically rejects the theft of the plane, which was carried out after a confrontation between the US and Argentine governments. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yván Gil argued that such a measure violates the rules regulating civil aviation, as well as the company's commercial, civil and political rights, and also endangers the region's aviation safety.
US position
The US Department of Justice confirmed the seizure and shipment of the cargo plane and claimed that the aircraft previously belonged to the Iranian company Mahan Air, which was subject to US sanctions. According to American authorities, the company is linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, which is classified as a “terrorist organization” by the US Department of Justice.
Seizure of aircraft
According to available information, the Boeing 747 belonging to Emtrasur, a subsidiary of the Venezuelan state aviation company Conviasa, arrived at Ezeiza airport after a flight from Mexico in June 2022. The plane was detained in the country due to judicial investigations and a request from the US justice system. Due to supply problems as fuel companies feared US sanctions, the plane was forced to return to Ezeiza after being denied landing in Uruguay.
Retaliation from Venezuela
Venezuela says the shipment of the plane to the United States, nearly two years after it was withheld, is part of a list of “criminal aggression” against the country that also includes sanctions and “assets theft.” Venezuela said it would respond “vigorously, directly and proportionately” and take the necessary measures to “restore justice and achieve the return of the plane.”