In recent weeks, the U.S. government has stepped up the pressure on Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who has claimed victory in the country's presidential elections but failed to produce any supporting and, despite international condemnation and the recognition of his opponent Edmundo González as the winner, still holds a firm grip on power in the South American country.
First, the Biden administration seized an aircraft located in Dominican Republic which was used by Maduro for personal and professional reasons, citing violations of U.S. sanctions and other criminal activities. Ten days later, the U.S. announced a series of sanctions against Venezuelan officials over the country's electoral fallout, including leaders of the National Electoral Council, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, and the Maduro-affiliated national assembly.
