Venezuela's government has reported the arrest of a fourth U.S. citizen in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The Interior Minister disclosed details of the purported scheme during a speech before the National Assembly, where the arrest was met with approval.
The latest detainee's identity has not been revealed. The government claims that the CIA, Spain's intelligence agency, organized crime groups, sex workers, and members of the opposition are involved in the plot.
This incident is just one of many anti-Maduro plans that the government has claimed to thwart this year. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello emphasized that those who attempt to interfere with Venezuela will face consequences, regardless of their identities.
The objective of the alleged plot is said to be political, with the detained U.S. citizen reportedly taking photos of critical infrastructure and military units in Caracas. Cabello accused the CIA of orchestrating and funding the scheme, with Spain's National Intelligence Center allegedly being aware of it.
Earlier arrests included three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech citizen. One of the U.S. citizens was identified as a former Navy SEAL with service experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Colombia.
The U.S. Department of State has denied any involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro, stating its support for a democratic resolution to Venezuela's political crisis.
Cabello also linked sex workers and members of the opposition coalition to the alleged conspiracy. Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. have escalated since the disputed presidential election, which led to widespread protests, arrests, and fatalities.
While the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of a third term, opposition members claim that tally sheets from electronic voting machines suggest a different outcome, indicating a victory for former diplomat Edmundo González.
