Venezuela arrests US, EU citizens over alleged plot to kill Maduro
Caracas accused U.S. citizens, two Spaniards and a Czech national of exporting “destabilization” to the South American country.
Venezuela Accuses Foreign Nationals of Destabilization Plot
Venezuela has apprehended six foreign nationals—three US citizens, two Spaniards, and a Czech national—for allegedly participating in a US-sponsored assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro and government officials.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrests on state television, stating that the individuals intended to "seize the country's wealth," prompting firm government action. The arrests coincide with strained relations between Venezuela and Western countries, including the US, Spain , and others.
The US State Department confirmed the detention of three American citizens, including a navy service member, but denied any involvement in an assassination attempt, emphasizing support for a democratic solution to Venezuela 's political crisis.
The arrests follow the US Treasury Department's sanctions on Maduro's associates for election day irregularities and human rights violations. Venezuela - Spain relations deteriorated further after the Spanish parliament recognized opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of the July election.
Cabello alleged that the arrested Spaniards were linked to Spain 's secret service and planned to assassinate a mayor, a claim the Spanish government denied.
Despite the arrests and diplomatic tensions, the US maintains its support for a democratic solution in Venezuela . The arrests underscore the country's political turmoil and its impact on international relations.
Venezuela has apprehended six foreign nationals—three US citizens, two Spaniards, and a Czech national—for allegedly participating in a US-sponsored assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro and government officials.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrests on state television, stating that the individuals intended to "seize the country's wealth," prompting firm government action. The arrests coincide with strained relations between Venezuela and Western countries, including the US, Spain , and others.
The US State Department confirmed the detention of three American citizens, including a navy service member, but denied any involvement in an assassination attempt, emphasizing support for a democratic solution to Venezuela 's political crisis.
The arrests follow the US Treasury Department's sanctions on Maduro's associates for election day irregularities and human rights violations. Venezuela - Spain relations deteriorated further after the Spanish parliament recognized opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of the July election.
Cabello alleged that the arrested Spaniards were linked to Spain 's secret service and planned to assassinate a mayor, a claim the Spanish government denied.
Despite the arrests and diplomatic tensions, the US maintains its support for a democratic solution in Venezuela . The arrests underscore the country's political turmoil and its impact on international relations.