Three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech citizen were arrested in Venezuela on Saturday on charges of attempting to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, accused the foreign citizens of being part of a CIA-led plot to overthrow the government and kill leaders. Cabello showcased rifles allegedly confiscated from the plotters.
Among the arrested Americans was Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez, a former Navy SEAL who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Colombia. The U.S. State Department denied any involvement in the plot, calling the claims false and expressing support for a democratic resolution to Venezuela’s political crisis.
The arrests occurred shortly after the U.S. imposed sanctions on 16 allies of Maduro for alleged election interference and human rights abuses. Spain recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the election winner, prompting Maduro allies to demand a suspension of relations with Spain. Tensions between Venezuela, the U.S., and Spain have escalated following the disputed election results and subsequent protests.
Maduro, who claims the U.S. is attempting to overthrow him, has faced criticism for the lack of transparency in the election process. Despite opposition claims that Gonzalez won with twice as many votes as Maduro, the Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner. Maduro has previously used imprisoned Americans as leverage in negotiations with the U.S., as seen in a previous deal involving the release of 10 Americans to secure a pardon for a close ally facing money laundering charges.
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