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Three Americans, two Spaniards, and one Czech have been detained in Venezuela, accused of plotting to destabilize the country with violence. Venezuelan authorities announced the arrests in an online video, identifying one of the detainees as an American Navy sailor, who was visiting Venezuela on personal travel and is a former Navy SEAL. U.S. officials confirmed his detention to CBS News.
The State Department acknowledged the sailor’s detention, noting unconfirmed reports about two other Americans. According to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the detainees were planning an attack on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The arrests come amid rising tensions following Venezuela’s disputed July 28 presidential election, which the opposition claims was rigged by Maduro.
The State Department denied any U.S. involvement in a plot against Maduro, emphasizing their support for a democratic solution in Venezuela. Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, claims he won a third term but has not released detailed voting results.
Cabello accused the detainees of collaborating with U.S., Spanish intelligence, and Venezuelan opposition leaders, alleging connections with mercenaries to launch attacks in Venezuela. Over 400 rifles were allegedly seized.
These developments coincide with heightened tensions between Venezuela and Spain, particularly after opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Spain following arrest threats. Caracas recalled its ambassador to Spain and criticized Spanish leaders for labeling Maduro’s administration a dictatorship.
The United States and Spain have not yet responded to these accusations, which come amid a standoff between Western powers and the Maduro government. The U.S. recently seized Maduro’s plane, claiming it violated sanctions. The State Department also announced new sanctions on Venezuelan officials for obstructing a transparent electoral process.
As Maduro’s legitimacy faces internal and external challenges, protests have left dozens dead and many arrested. Despite severe economic decline and international sanctions, Maduro has maintained power with military support since his controversial 2018 re-election. His tenure has seen Venezuela’s GDP plummet by 80%, causing over seven million people to flee the country.