3 Americans arrested over alleged plot to assassinate Venezuelan president
What's the story
Three United States citizens have been arrested by the Venezuelan government on suspicion of planning to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro and destabilize the country.
The announcement was made by Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who stated that the alleged plot involved "violent actions."
Alongside the Americans, two Spaniards and a Czech citizen were also detained.
The government have seized hundreds of weapons in connection with this case, according to Agence France Presse.
Conspiracy claims
Alleged involvement of CIA and CNI in Venezuelan plot
Cabello did not specify the arrest date of the six individuals but claimed that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Spain's National Intelligence Center (CNI) were orchestrating this operation.
He further alleged that these detainees were seeking mercenaries with a "very clear objective" to assassinate Maduro.
The two Spaniards were reportedly arrested in Puerto Ayacucho, located in Southwest Venezuela.
Cabello also implicated the US government, asserting its connection to this operation.
Plot details
Seized weapons and alleged mercenary contacts
Cabello stated that the alleged conspirators had contacted mercenaries from France and Eastern Europe as part of their plot to attack Venezuela.
He revealed that "more than 400 rifles were seized," which he claimed originated from the US.
The detainees are also accused of planning "terrorist acts."
The three Americans and the Czech national were linked to intelligence agencies in the US and Spain, as well as to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, according to Cabello.
Reactions
US rejects claims of CIA involvement
The US state department has denied the allegations of CIA involvement in the alleged assassination plot against Maduro.
The department confirmed the detention of a US military member and said it was aware of "unconfirmed reports of two additional US citizens detained in Venezuela."
"Any claims of US 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," it said.
Sanctions imposed
US sanctions and Venezuelan response
Last Thursday, Washington imposed sanctions on 16 Venezuelan allies of Maduro, accusing them of obstructing the vote and impeding "a transparent electoral process" by not publishing accurate results.
Venezuela rejected these measures, labeling them as a "crime of aggression," and Maduro honored four military officers who were targeted by the sanctions.
This week, Caracas also recalled its ambassador to Madrid and summoned Spain's ambassador to Venezuela for talks following accusations from a Spanish minister that Maduro is running a "dictatorship."