Venezuela has announced the seizure of 400 US rifles and the arrest of foreigners, including Americans, suspected of involvement in a plot to destabilize the country. The interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, revealed this information during a press conference, stating that two Spanish citizens and one Czech citizen were also detained.
The US State Department confirmed the arrest of a member of the US military in Venezuela and is investigating reports of two additional US citizens being detained. The department has denied any US involvement in a plot to overthrow Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, emphasizing its support for a democratic resolution to the political crisis in Venezuela.
The political turmoil in Venezuela stems from the disputed presidential election in July, which saw Maduro securing a controversial third term. Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and his coalition allege electoral fraud, presenting evidence that suggests Maduro lost the election by a significant margin.
The US has recognized Gonzalez as the candidate with the most votes but has not formally acknowledged him as the president-elect of Venezuela. Gonzalez recently fled to Spain to evade an arrest warrant issued against him in Venezuela on charges of terrorism and conspiracy.
In response to alleged election interference, the US imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials aligned with Maduro and seized a Venezuelan plane used by the president for international travel. Maduro's government has faced criticism for its crackdown on dissent, with Human Rights Watch reporting a surge in arrests and repression of protests.
The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with ongoing political and social unrest prompting many citizens to flee the country in search of safety and stability.
