Venezuela has detained three US citizens, two Spaniards, and a Czech national over an alleged plot to destabilize the country, amid tensions with Western nations over disputed election results. Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello announced the arrests, accusing the detainees of planning an attack against President Nicolas Maduro. The opposition claims the election was fraudulent, leading to protests that resulted in multiple deaths.
Cabello accused the Spanish nationals of having links to Spain’s secret service and planning a mayor’s assassination, although Spain denied this claim. He also implicated three US citizens and a Czech national in “terrorist” acts, including plans to kill Maduro and other officials. The US State Department confirmed a US military member’s detention in Venezuela but denied any involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro.
Venezuela’s tensions with Western nations escalated further when Spain’s Prime Minister met with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who faced threats from Maduro’s government. This led to Venezuela recalling its ambassador to Spain and summoning the Spanish ambassador. The US recognized Gonzalez as the election winner and imposed new sanctions on Venezuela, adding to the strained relations between Caracas and Western nations. Venezuela accused the detained individuals of attempting to seize the country’s wealth, and vowed to respond firmly to any destabilization attempts.
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