Tensions Escalate as Venezuelan Authorities Arrest Foreign Nationals for Alleged Coup Plot
Venezuelan authorities have announced the arrest of three US citizens, two Spaniards, and one Czech citizen on suspicions of plotting to destabilize the country. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello revealed that during the operation, hundreds of weapons, including 400 firearms, were confiscated. This announcement comes just two days after Washington imposed sanctions on 16 Venezuelan officials closely aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following his controversial election victory.
Spanish authorities are seeking more information regarding the detained individuals, with the Spanish embassy in Venezuela requesting access to them. The Venezuelan government claims that the Spaniards arrested are connected to the National Intelligence Centre (CNI) of Spain; however, sources within the Spanish government have told local media that the two individuals do not have ties to the intelligence agency.
Cabello also alleged that the arrested suspects were plotting to assassinate President Maduro and other high-ranking officials, stating, "They contacted French mercenaries and mercenaries from Eastern Europe and are involved in an operation aiming to attack our country."
The arrests further highlight the escalating tensions between the Maduro government and the US and Spain. Recently, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil summoned Spain's ambassador in Caracas in response to remarks made by a Spanish minister, who described the Venezuelan government as a dictatorship amidst rising diplomatic frictions.
Adding to the tension, the US Treasury Department declared it was targeting key officials implicated in Maduro's fraudulent election claims and the government's oppressive measures against free expression. Maduro was declared the winner of July's presidential election by Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), which is considered closely aligned with the ruling government. However, the CNE has yet to publish detailed voting statistics that substantiate Maduro's victory. In contrast, opposition data suggests that the opposition candidate, Edmundo González, was the actual winner.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to develop, it remains to be seen how these events will impact the already strained relations between the involved nations and within Venezuela itself.
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