A fourth U.S. citizen has been arrested in Venezuela in connection with an alleged plot to kill President Nicolás Maduro, according to the country’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello. The citizen, who remains unnamed, was detained in Caracas while reportedly taking photos of critical infrastructure and military units.
Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela have been strained, with recent sanctions relief being rolled back due to antidemocratic actions by Maduro officials. The State Department is working to gather more information on the situation but faces constraints in assisting U.S. citizens in Venezuela.
Accusations from Cabello point to the involvement of the CIA, Spain’s intelligence agency, and other groups in a plot to overthrow Maduro following a disputed election win. The State Department has denied any U.S. involvement in such activities, emphasizing support for a democratic resolution in Venezuela.
Maduro's reelection in July has been contested, with opposition claims of electoral fraud. The National Electoral Council, dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner, leading to post-election repression of dissent. Financial sanctions have been imposed on Maduro officials implicated in electoral fraud and repression.
In response to the ongoing political crisis, the U.S. seized a plane owned by Maduro in the Dominican Republic for violating sanctions laws. The situation remains complex, with conflicting narratives surrounding the election results and attempts to destabilize the Venezuelan government.
