Three Americans were arrested in Venezuela, facing accusations of plotting to “destabilize” the country through “violent actions.” Venezuelan officials allege that these individuals planned an attack on President Nicolas Maduro and his administration.
According to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the Americans, along with two Spaniards and a Czech national, were apprehended after authorities seized 400 rifles linked to their alleged conspiracy. One of the Americans, a Navy sailor, was reportedly in Venezuela on personal travel when he was detained.
Cabello also suggested that the detainees were affiliated with intelligence agencies from their home countries. He linked the alleged plot to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who allegedly provided evidence showing Maduro lost the July 28 presidential election to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.
The arrests follow recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. on 16 Venezuelan election officials suspected of supporting Maduro and perpetuating election fraud. The U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions target members of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council and Supreme Tribunal of Justice, accused of repressing citizens through intimidation and censorship.
In addition, the U.S. State Department has placed visa restrictions on 2,000 suspected Maduro-aligned officials, escalating tensions between the two nations.
