Three Americans, Two Spaniards Held Over Alleged Plot To 'Destabilize' Venezuela

With the support of the military and other institutions, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has managed to cling to power despite international pressure (Credit: AFP)

Three Americans, two Spaniards and a Czech citizen were detained in Venezuela on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country, the government said Saturday, as the United States denied Caracas's allegations it was involved.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and both the United States and Spain over Venezuela's disputed July 28 presidential election, which the country's opposition accuses President Nicolas Maduro of stealing.