Venezuela announced Tuesday the arrest of a fourth U.S. citizen accused of plotting to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The individual was apprehended in Caracas while allegedly photographing sensitive infrastructure, including military units and oil facilities. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the arrest is part of a broader conspiracy to overthrow the government, also implicating two Spaniards and a Czech national. Three other U.S. citizens, including a Navy sailor, had been arrested earlier this month under similar charges.
The U.S., Spain, and the Czech Republic have denied any involvement in a coup against Maduro, with Washington categorically rejecting claims of its involvement. The State Department confirmed the detention of the U.S. sailor, identified as Wilbert Joseph Castaneda while calling for transparency from Venezuela regarding the detentions. Spain’s relations with Venezuela have also soured, particularly after opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia sought exile in Spain following alleged threats of arrest by the Maduro government.
Tensions remain high as Venezuela’s government contends with accusations of electoral fraud from both domestic and international actors. Last week, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 16 Venezuelan officials for obstructing a transparent election process, further straining relations. Spain’s diplomatic ties with Caracas have also worsened after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with exiled opposition leader González Urrutia, prompting Venezuela to recall its ambassador to Madrid.
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