Six foreigners, including three US citizens, two Spaniards, and a Czech national, have been detained in Venezuela for allegedly plotting to destabilize the government. Venezuelan Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello stated that the arrests were made in relation to a suspected attack against President Nicolas Maduro. This comes at a time when tensions between Caracas and Western nations have escalated over disputed election results in late July, with opposition claims of fraud. The aftermath of the election saw violent protests resulting in casualties.
Cabello also accused the detainees of planning terrorist acts, including an assassination plot against Maduro and other officials. He claimed that the group aimed to seize the country’s wealth, prompting a firm response from the government. The US State Department denied any involvement in an attempt to overthrow Maduro, dismissing the allegations as false.
The diplomatic spat intensified further as Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain and summoned the Spanish ambassador in response to comments by a Spanish minister labeling Maduro as a dictator. Spain’s Prime Minister also met with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who sought exile in Spain after facing threats of arrest by Maduro’s regime. These actions have led to strained relations between Caracas and both Spain and the US, culminating in new sanctions imposed by the US on Venezuela.
The situation in Venezuela remains tense as the government cracks down on alleged threats to its stability, while facing growing criticism and punitive measures from Western nations in response to the disputed election and ongoing political crisis.
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