Belarus faces international fury after using fighter jet to land airliner, seize journalist

"Piracy," "hijacking" and "state terrorism" — the condemnation of Belarus was swift and strong after it forced the landing of a commercial airplane carrying an opposition journalist.

In a show of unified fury, the United States, Britain, the European Union, NATO and the United Nations on Monday lined up to call out the action in the skies above the eastern European country led by Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe's last dictator.

"We strongly condemn the Lukashenka regime's brazen and shocking act," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday, using an alternative spelling for Lukashenko and noting that American passengers were on board the flight.

"We demand an international investigation and are coordinating with our partners on next steps. The United States stands with the people of Belarus," he added.