Venezuelan Government Arrests Fourth American Amid Alleged Assassination Plot
In a significant escalation of tensions, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrest of a fourth American linked to an alleged plot to destabilize the country and assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The unnamed individual was apprehended in Caracas while reportedly photographing critical installations, including electrical and military sites. This arrest follows the prior detention of three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national, all accused of being part of a conspiracy against the Venezuelan government.
Cabello stated, "We had been following him. He was captured here in Caracas, taking photos of electrical installations, oil installations, and military units." He emphasized that the detainees are believed to be connected to their respective countries' intelligence services, a claim that both the United States and Spain have vehemently denied. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the arrest of a U.S. citizen but refuted any involvement in plots against Venezuela.
International Response and Background of Arrests
The recent arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of the Venezuelan electoral process, particularly following the controversial July 28 elections where Maduro was declared the winner amidst widespread allegations of fraud. The U.S., European Union, and several Latin American countries have questioned the legitimacy of the elections, suggesting that opposition candidate Edmundo González may have been the true victor.
In addition to the arrests, Cabello reported the seizure of a new batch of weapons, including 400 rifles previously displayed by authorities. The Venezuelan government has consistently accused foreign nationals of attempting to undermine its sovereignty, a narrative reinforced by past incidents such as the failed 'Operation Gideon' in 2020, which involved an attempted sea invasion to overthrow Maduro. As the situation develops, both Spain and the U.S. are demanding clarity on the circumstances surrounding their detained citizens, while the Venezuelan government maintains that the rights of the detainees are being upheld.
