- U.S. government officials said they are working with the State Department to obtain more information about the case.
The US Navy is investigating the arrest of a marine while on a personal trip to Venezuela, according to information from the EFE Agency citing Pentagon sources.
“We are aware of reports that a U.S. Navy Marine was detained on or about August 30, 2024 by Venezuelan law enforcement authorities while on a personal trip to Venezuela,” reads the report to which EFE had access.
The Navy said it is “working closely with the State Department” on the case.
Sources linked to the AP news agency have maintained that the marine “was not on an official mission” and therefore “had not received authorization to travel to Venezuela.”
So far, the US government has not officially announced the arrest. However, a day earlier, on Tuesday, September 3, authorities indicated that they are considering action against the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Likewise, the possible arrest occurs after the State Department asked American citizens not to travel to Venezuela and, in addition, this Monday, September 2, the Seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft in the Dominican Republicaircraft used by Nicolás Maduro and representatives of his government.
Falcon 900 aircraft seized in the Dominican Republic
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US authorities said that the seizure measure was taken for violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws, and the plane was transferred to the Southern District of Florida.
For his part, Nicolás Maduro described the seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft as “piracy.”
The Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft is valued at $13 million, US officials told CNN. It is a high-end corporate aircraft manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation, dedicated to the assembly of civil and military aircraft.
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have thus increased in recent days following the arrest warrant against Edmundo González Urrutia and the lack of transparency in the presidential elections on July 28.
The United States is evaluating several “options” to sanction Nicolás Maduro and his representatives
On September 4, White House Homeland Security spokesman John Kirby stated that the US government evaluate taking action to “demonstrate” that the “political decisions taken by the government of Nicolás Maduro have consequences.”
“In coordination with our partners, we are considering a variety of options to demonstrate to Mr. Maduro and his representatives that their actions in Venezuela will have consequences,” Kirby said in a conversation with the media.
The senior official in Joe Biden’s administration recalled that actions would be considered to “condemn” the arrest warrant against Edmundo González in Venezuela.
“This is just another example of Maduro’s efforts to maintain power by force and refusing to acknowledge that Gonzalez won the majority of the vote on July 28,” Kirby said, without detailing what form those possible consequences will take.
The spokesman also recalled that in recent months the United States has already applied sanctions against Venezuelan officials for “the actions and omissions taken by Maduro and his representatives.”
With information from EFE
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#investigates #arrest #marine #Venezuela
2024-09-05 21:29:16
US Marine Arrested in Venezuela: Ongoing Investigation and Tensions
In a troubling development in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, a U.S. Marine has reportedly been detained by Venezuelan law enforcement while on a personal trip to the country. The arrest took place around August 30, 2024, raising concerns within the U.S. government, which is currently working with the State Department to gather more information regarding the situation.
Details Surrounding the Arrest
According to information provided by the EFE Agency, Pentagon sources have confirmed the detention of the U.S. Navy Marine but have clarified that he was not on an official mission and lacked authorization to travel to Venezuela. This detail is crucial, as unauthorized travel by military personnel can complicate diplomatic relations significantly.
The U.S. government has yet to make an official announcement regarding the arrest, but comments made by officials suggest that they are considering potential actions against Nicolás Maduro’s government in light of the incident. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, exacerbated by geopolitical complexities.
U.S. Government’s Response
The Navy has stated that it is cooperating closely with the State Department to monitor the situation. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of the Marine’s detention, as this incident comes shortly after a series of diplomatic strains between the two nations.
Alongside the marine’s arrest, the U.S. State Department had recently issued warnings to American citizens against traveling to Venezuela due to safety concerns. The current political climate, coupled with the arrest of a military personnel member, adds urgency to these travel advisories.
Recent Events Leading to Increased Tensions
The timing of the U.S. Marine’s arrest coincides with significant events in the region, particularly the recent seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft in the Dominican Republic. This aircraft was reportedly linked to Nicolás Maduro and is valued at approximately $13 million. U.S. authorities stated that the seizure was conducted in adherence to U.S. export control and sanction laws.
Maduro has publicly condemned the aircraft seizure, labeling it as “piracy.” Such claims are indicative of ongoing hostilities and underscore the volatile nature of U.S.-Venezuelan relations.
Potential Sanctions Against Maduro’s Government
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. officials are exploring a range of options to sanction Maduro and his representatives. John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House’s Homeland Security, noted that the United States is assessing various actions that reflect the consequences of political decisions made by Maduro’s administration.
The U.S. has already imposed a series of sanctions against Venezuelan officials in recent months in response to their actions and decisions under Maduro’s leadership. Kirby’s statements suggest that the U.S. government is prepared to take further steps to communicate the seriousness of this ongoing situation.
Conclusion
The arrest of a U.S. Marine in Venezuela represents a significant escalation in the already strained relations between the United States and the Maduro regime. As the U.S. government navigates this delicate situation, the implications for both countries could be profound. The international community and American citizens alike will be watching closely as developments unfold, particularly regarding any sanctions that may arise and the broader geopolitical repercussions.
In the midst of these tensions, it is vital for American citizens to heed travel advisories and to remain aware of the complexities surrounding U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. The current events remind us of the intricate web of diplomacy, military conduct, and international relations that continue to shape global dynamics.
