Fourth US Citizen Reportedly Arrested in Venezuela Over Alleged Plot Against President Maduro

Venezuela has reportedly detained a fourth American over allegations of a plot against President Nicolás Maduro, heightening tensions between the United States and the South American nation.

At a Glance

Venezuela says it has arrested a fourth U.S. citizen over an alleged plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro.
The American was detained for taking photos of sensitive sites like electrical installations, oil facilities, and military units.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed the man was part of a broader plot against Venezuela, including plans to assassinate Maduro.
The U.S. State Department denied any involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro and called the claims “categorically false.”

Fourth American Detained

According to recent reports, Venezuela says its authorities have detained another U.S. citizen, marking the fourth American arrested over accusations of involvement in a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The arrest took place in Caracas, where the individual was reportedly taking photos of critical infrastructure including electrical installations, oil facilities, and military units.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the detained individual was part of an extensive conspiracy against the Venezuelan government. This plot, according to Cabello, involved plans to eliminate Maduro and several other high-ranking officials. Cabello’s statements have fueled already escalating U.S.-Venezuelan tensions.

U.S. Denials and Diplomatic Responses

The U.S. State Department responded swiftly to the claims, denying any involvement in the alleged plot. A spokesperson for the department stated the U.S. knew of “unconfirmed reports” of another arrest and stated, “Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela,” as reported by CBS News.

The reports of a recent arrest contribute to a growing list of foreigners detained in Venezuela under similar allegations. Six other individuals, including three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech, have been arrested recently. One of these Americans, identified as U.S. Navy sailor Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, adds a significant military component to the ongoing diplomatic crisis.

Fourth U.S. citizen detained in alleged plot to kill Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s government sayshttps://t.co/S6lbigAx6o pic.twitter.com/YvHng4H00u

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 17, 2024

International Reactions and Broader Issues

Countries such as the United States, Spain, and the Czech Republic have demanded information regarding their detained citizens. Washington’s demand for clarity comes amid renewed sanctions against 16 Venezuelan officials accused of obstructing a transparent electoral process.

Tensions have also risen between Venezuela and Spain, particularly after the U.S. recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of a disputed election. González Urrutia has since sought asylum in Spain, leading to Venezuela recalling its ambassador to Spain and summoning Spain’s envoy for discussions.