Venezuela Arrests Three Americans Amid Claims Of U.S.-Led Plot To Kill Maduro

Venezuelan authorities arrested three U.S. citizens and three Europeans on Saturday in connection with an alleged assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrests, which included two Spaniards and a Czech national, on state television and accused the suspects of taking part in a U.S.-led assassination plot against Maduro and several other members of the Venezuelan government, according to Politico Europe.

“These groups seek to seize the country’s wealth, and we as a government will respond firmly to any destabilization attempt,” Cabello said, according to Reuters. The minister said that authorities seized hundreds of rifles that originated in the United States, as well.

The U.S. State Department spokesman confirmed that a member of the U.S. military had been detained in Venezuela and said the department was aware of reports of two other U.S. citizens being detained. The State Department denied any involvement in a plot to assassinate the Venezuelan government.

“Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela,” a State Department spokesman said, according to NPR.

“We are seeking additional information. We are closely monitoring the situation,” the spokesman added.

The United States has pressured Maduro to step down as president after a contentious July 28 election. Voting tallies published online by the opposition campaign showed the Venezuelan strongman losing the election in a landslide, though Maduro and the Venezuelan government have said those election tallies were forged.

The Venezuelan Supreme Court, largely filled by Maduro loyalists, declared Maduro the winner of the election. The United States government has reportedly discussed offering Maduro and his top allies amnesty if the Venezuelan president will cede power. The Biden administration has denied those reports.

The controversy over the election sparked widespread demonstrations in Venezuela, prompting a backlash from the government that reportedly left dozens dead and hundreds more injured.

Last week, the U.S. announced sanctions on 16 top officials in Maduro’s government following the contested election as tensions between Washington and Caracas continue to increase.