U.S. 'seizes Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's jet' in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. has seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's jet and flown it to Florida in an escalation with his regime.  

Multiple federal agencies took the airplane dubbed Venezuela's Air Force One into custody after deeming its purchase violated sanctions, two U.S. officials disclosed to CNN.

The aircraft, believed to be worth $13million, was seized in the Dominican Republic and brought to the U.S. on Monday amid growing tensions between the Biden administration and the South American government after recent 

'This sends a message all the way up to the top,' one of the officials described to CNN.

Multiple federal agencies involved in the seizure of the foreign leader's aircraft determined that acquisition was in violation of U.S. sanctions, according to a new report

'Seizing the foreign head of state's plane is unheard-of for criminal matters,' they added. 'We're sending a clear message here that no one is above the law, no one is above the reach of US sanctions.' 

Maduro's plane has been pictured during his state visits around the world.

It was not disclosed as to the exact reason why it was taken, but U.S. officials determined the aircraft's presence in the Dominican Republic in recent months presented the opportunity for seizure.

Agencies involved in seizing the plane include Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice and Commerce agents within the Bureau of Industry and Security.

The Dominican Republic notified Venezuela of the seizures, one U.S. official described.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's airplane was seized in the Dominican Republic by the United States and brought to Florida on Monday

The plane was described as 'Venezuela's Air Force One' and was often pictured with Maduro during his state visits to other countries

Now, after the aircraft landed in the U.S., the Venezuelan government has a chance to pursue forfeiture and petition for the plane.

The seizure comes after the controversial reelection of Maduro on July 28.

The U.S. placed pressure on the Central American country to 'immediately' release election data over concerns of the credibility of Maduro's victory.

After he was reelected last month, Venezuela suspended commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. already restarted sanctions against Venezuela's oil and gas sector for the Maduro regime blocking 'an inclusive and competitive election'.