The US State Department has rejected claims of CIA involvement in an alleged plot to kill Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro. Venezuelan authorities had arrested six foreigners, including a US Navy SEAL, for an alleged plot to destabilize the country. The State Department called the allegations “categorically false” and reiterated its support for a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela.
Venezuela's Interior minister Diosdado Cabello claimed that the alleged plot was led by the CIA and aimed at assassinating Maduro. The arrested foreigners included Americans, Spaniards, and a Czech citizen. Venezuelan authorities also seized 400 US rifles linked to the alleged plot.
The State Department confirmed the arrest of a member of the US military in Venezuela and is seeking more information on two additional detained US citizens. Spain and the Czech Republic are also seeking information on their detained citizens in Venezuela.
Venezuela has been in crisis since disputed elections earlier this year, with opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez insisting the vote was stolen. The US and the European Union have expressed skepticism over the election results, with the EU describing the Maduro regime as dictatorial and authoritarian.
Maduro's government has faced international sanctions and crackdowns on dissent, leading to arrests and protests. The situation in Venezuela remains tense as the country grapples with political turmoil and allegations of foreign involvement in destabilizing activities.
