In a recent development, Venezuela has detained several foreign nationals alleged to be involved in plans to destabilize the country, according to statements made by Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Among those detained are two Spaniards, three US citizens, and a Czech. Cabello claims that the Spaniards are linked to Spain’s secret service and were planning to assassinate a mayor. Spanish media reported that Spain’s government denies these allegations. Meanwhile, three US citizens and a Czech have been accused of involvement in terrorism, including plans to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other officials.
The US State Department has confirmed the detention of a US military member in Venezuela and is aware of reports regarding the detention of two additional US citizens. However, the State Department has categorically denied any US involvement in a plot to overthrow the Venezuelan government. A spokesperson emphasized that the United States supports a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela and is monitoring the situation closely while seeking additional information. Due to privacy considerations, further details were not provided.
Cabello has accused these groups of seeking to seize Venezuela’s wealth, declaring that the government will respond firmly to any attempts at destabilization. He also revealed that approximately 400 rifles originating from the United States had been seized. In response, a Spanish foreign ministry source disclosed that the Spanish embassy has formally requested access to the detained nationals to verify their identities and understand the specific accusations against them.
The detainment of the Spanish individuals occurred while they were taking photographs in the town of Puerto Ayacucho. Cabello insists that they have links to Spain’s intelligence service, despite anticipated denials from Spain. This situation has led Venezuela to recall its ambassador to Spain for consultations and to summon the Spanish ambassador to the Venezuelan foreign ministry. Diplomatic tensions have escalated, particularly following a disputed presidential election and retaliatory remarks from a Spanish minister accusing President Maduro of running a dictatorship.
Further inflaming diplomatic relations, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently met with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who had fled to Spain to avoid arrest by Maduro’s regime. The United States also recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 election, exacerbating tensions between the US and Venezuela.
These detentions underscore the high-stakes geopolitical frictions involving Venezuela, the US, and Spain. With each country defending its stance, the situation remains complex and fraught with diplomatic challenges.
Source: Rappler