Venezuela has arrested six foreigners, including a US Navy SEAL, over an alleged plot to destabilize the country and assassinate President Nicolás Maduro, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The alleged operation, which Cabello claims was led by the CIA, aimed to target Maduro and other senior officials. The US State Department has categorically denied the accusations, calling them “false.”
Arrested Foreigners and Allegations
Cabello identified the Navy SEAL as William Joseph Castañeda Gómez and named two other Americans, David Estrella and Aaron Barrett Logan, among the detainees. He also reported the arrest of two Spaniards, José María Basoa Valdovinos and Andrés Martínez Adasme, and a Czech national, Jan Darmovzal. Venezuelan authorities also seized 400 US rifles connected to the alleged plot.
Cabello further alleged that Spain’s National Intelligence Center was involved, stating the operation had a “clear objective” of assassinating Maduro, himself, and the vice president.
US and Spanish Response
The US State Department confirmed the arrest of a US military member but strongly rejected claims of American involvement. A spokesperson stated, “Any claims of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false.” The US is still seeking more details about the two additional American citizens reportedly detained.
Spain’s foreign ministry is also pursuing further information on the arrested Spaniards. They have formally requested access to verify the identities of the detained and to understand the charges they face.
Venezuela’s Political Crisis
The country remains in turmoil after a disputed presidential election in July, where Maduro claimed victory despite international skepticism. Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who has since fled to Spain under threat of arrest, asserts the election was rigged, showing evidence that suggests Maduro actually lost by a significant margin.
The US has imposed sanctions on officials supporting Maduro and has seized Venezuelan planes allegedly linked to him. Inside Venezuela, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, with over 2,400 arrests and numerous protesters fleeing the country.