Venezuela detains US soldier on accusations of plotting to undermine the nation
The State Department acknowledged the existence of unconfirmed reports about the detention of two more Americans in Venezuela.
An American soldier is being held in Venezuela, according to the U.S. State Department.
According to Reuters, Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech were detained for attempting to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and overthrow the Venezuelan government on Saturday.
The State Department refuted any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro, with spokesman Matt Miller stating that such claims are "categorically false."
The State Department was informed of "unconfirmed reports" that Venezuelan authorities detained two additional Americans, as confirmed by Miller.
The Navy member identified by the Associated Press as Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez is an American service member.
Amid an international dispute over Venezuela's recent presidential election, which was marred by allegations of fraud, the detentions occurred.
In July, Venezuelan officials declared Maduro the winner, but Blinken stated last month that there was strong evidence that Gonzalez won the most votes.
On Saturday, during a press conference, Cabello claimed that the detainees were suspected of being involved in a plot to kill Maduro and other officials.
Officials seized about 400 rifles originating in the U.S., and we as a government will respond firmly to any destabilization attempt, Cabello stated, emphasizing that these groups seek to seize the country's wealth.
The U.S. State Department denied the allegations.
Miller stated that the U.S. remains committed to a democratic resolution to the political crisis in Venezuela.
In Puerto Ayacucho, the Spanish nationals were detained while taking photos.
According to Cabello, the citizens have connections with the center, and we know they will reject it as a falsehood.
Spain's government similarly denied any involvement, Spanish media reported.
Venezuelan officials were asked for more information by the Spanish foreign ministry, according to a source.
The Spanish embassy has requested access to the detained citizens in Venezuela to verify their identities, nationality, and the exact charges against them, according to a source.
The July 28 presidential election in Venezuela has led to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Venezuela and Spain.
A Spanish minister has accused Maduro of running a "dictatorship."
Pedro Sanchez's meeting with Gonzalez, who fled Venezuela after being threatened with arrest, angered Venezuela.
Planet Chronicle' Nick Kalman and Reuters contributed to this report.
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