The United States has denied allegations by Venezuela's government that a detained U.S. service member was involved in a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and overthrow the government.
The United States State Department has confirmed the detention of a U.S. service member in Venezuela, refuting allegations by Venezuelan authorities that the individual was part of a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and destabilize the government.
On Saturday, Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the detention of three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech citizen, accusing them of attempting to assassinate Maduro and overthrow the Venezuelan government. Reuters reported on Cabello's claims, which were vehemently denied by the U.S. State Department.
U.S. Service Member Detained in Venezuela Amid Allegations of Assassination Plot
"Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false," State Department spokesman Matt Miller stated. Miller acknowledged the detention of the service member and expressed awareness of "unconfirmed reports" that two additional Americans had been detained by Venezuelan authorities.
The Associated Press identified the detained American service member as Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez, a member of the U.S. Navy. The detentions come amidst heightened tensions over Venezuela's recent presidential election, which was marred by accusations of fraud.
U.S. Service Member Detained in Venezuela Amid Allegations of Assassination Plot
While Maduro was declared the winner in July by Venezuelan officials, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted last month that there was "overwhelming evidence" that Maduro's opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had secured the most votes.
At a press conference on Saturday, Cabello alleged that the detainees were connected to plans to assassinate Maduro and other officials. "These groups seek to seize the country's wealth, and we as a government will respond firmly to any destabilization attempt," Cabello said, adding that officials had seized approximately 400 rifles originating from the United States.
U.S. Service Member Detained in Venezuela Amid Allegations of Assassination Plot
The U.S. State Department strongly refuted these allegations, emphasizing that the United States "continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela." Miller reiterated the U.S. commitment to resolving the Venezuelan crisis peacefully.
Cabello accused Spanish nationals of taking photographs in the town of Puerto Ayacucho, alleging their involvement in the alleged plot. Spain's government promptly denied any involvement, with a Spanish foreign ministry source requesting additional information from Venezuelan officials.
U.S. Service Member Detained in Venezuela Amid Allegations of Assassination Plot
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Spain have remained strained following Venezuela's disputed July 28 presidential election. A Spanish minister has accused Maduro of running a "dictatorship." Venezuela also condemned Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for meeting with Gonzalez, who sought refuge in Spain after Maduro's regime threatened his arrest following the election.
The detention of the U.S. service member has further escalated tensions between the two countries. The State Department has urged Venezuela to release the detainee and has vowed to "continue to support democratic values in Venezuela and the region."
U.S. Service Member Detained in Venezuela Amid Allegations of Assassination Plot
Fox News' Nick Kalman and Reuters contributed to this report.
