Venezuela has strongly condemned the US authorities’ seizure of a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the Dominican Republic, considering this action to constitute an act of piracy.

"Once again, the authorities of the United States of America are engaged in a criminal practice that cannot be described as anything other than piracy.” AFP quoted the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement.

The statement added that "this is another example of a regime that seeks to consolidate the approach of the powerful in establishing and imposing rules that suit their interests with impunity.”

He added that Caracas reserves the right to take any legal action to repair this damage to the nation, as well as the other damages caused by the criminal policy of unilateral coercive measures.

"Venezuela respects itself and continues to firmly defend its dignity and sovereignty,” the statement  concluded.

The Venezuelan condemnation came shortly after the United States announced that it had confiscated the plane, which was in the Dominican Republic, and transported it to Florida, claiming that the plane was purchased in violation of US sanctions.