Venezuela Claims Arrest of Foreign Nationals in Alleged Plot to Assassinate President Maduro

Monday 16 September 2024 - 08:25

Venezuela's government has announced the arrest of six foreign citizens, including three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national, allegedly involved in a CIA-led plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The arrests were made public by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who accused the individuals of planning to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

Cabello presented evidence on state television, including images of rifles allegedly confiscated from the suspects, further implicating them in the alleged conspiracy. The Spanish embassy in Venezuela has not commented on the arrests of its citizens.

The U.S. State Department has confirmed the detention of a U.S. military member and is aware of reports of two additional U.S. citizens being held in Venezuela. The Department categorically denies any U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro, reiterating its support for a democratic solution to Venezuela's political crisis.

Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. have escalated following the disputed July 28 presidential election, with the U.S. Treasury imposing sanctions on Maduro allies and Spain's parliament recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner. Maduro has consistently accused the U.S. of attempting to remove him from power through sanctions and covert operations.

This is not the first time the Maduro administration has used imprisoned Americans as leverage. Last year, a deal with the Biden administration resulted in the release of ten Americans and a fugitive in exchange for a presidential pardon for Alex Saab, a close Maduro ally facing money laundering charges in the U.S.

As the situation unfolds, the international community awaits further developments and potential consequences for U.S.-Venezuela relations.