• Source:JND
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A day after Venezuela arrested three Americans in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate newly elected President Nicolas Maduro, the US firmly rejected any allegations of its involvement in a plan to overthrow Maduro, calling the claims entirely false.

Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, revealed on Saturday that six individuals, including three Americans, two Spanish, and a Czech citizen, had been arrested for allegedly plotting to destabilise the government through "violent actions" targeting President Nicolas Maduro. Reports indicate that these individuals were planning an assassination attempt on Maduro.

According to a CBS News report, one of the Americans was identified as a US Navy sailor, who was apprehended in early September during a personal trip to Venezuela. The sailor, a petty officer first class and former Navy SEAL with a West Coast team, was confirmed detained by a State Department spokesperson, along with two other unidentified Americans.

“The CIA is at the forefront of this operation,” Cabello asserted during a televised news conference, further accusing Spain’s National Intelligence Center of involvement. He claimed the plot targeted not only President Maduro but also high-ranking officials, including Cabello himself and Venezuela’s vice president.

According to the Guardian, the US State Department acknowledged being aware of "unconfirmed reports" regarding the detention of two more US citizens in Venezuela. However, it firmly stated "any allegations of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are entirely false," reaffirming that the US remains committed to a democratic resolution of Venezuela's political crisis.

Maduro’s Controversial Re-Election Fuels Political Crisis

Authorities also seized 400 US rifles allegedly connected to the plot. This development occurs amid rising tensions in Venezuela, where President Maduro’s re-election in July has been widely questioned both locally and internationally.

Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and his supporters claim the election was fraudulent, with evidence suggesting Gonzalez had a decisive victory. However, Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which supports Maduro, confirmed his win.

The political turmoil has led to a severe crackdown on dissent, with thousands of protesters being detained. Meanwhile, the US has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials accused of interfering with the election process, further heightening tensions between Washington and Caracas.