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Venezuelan Security Forces Surround Argentine Embassy in Caracas, Opposition Leaders Report

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Venezuelan security forces, including armed and hooded officers, have surrounded Argentina’s embassy in Caracas, according to opposition leaders. Six members of the opposition are currently sheltering inside the embassy, having sought refuge to avoid a crackdown by Venezuelan authorities ahead of July’s presidential elections.

Pedro Urruchurtu, an international coordinator for opposition leader María Corina Machado, has been staying in the embassy since March. He reported on Saturday via social media that members of the National Police had blocked off streets surrounding the embassy, while drones hovered above and phone signals were reportedly cut off.

Omar González, another opposition figure seeking refuge at the embassy, shared a video showing Venezuelan police stationed outside the diplomatic compound.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared victory in the July election, despite widespread doubts both domestically and internationally regarding the legitimacy of the results. Opposition leader Edmundo González, who was recognized by the United States as the election’s true winner, warned in a post on social media about the situation. He described the embassy as being “besieged by hooded people” and urged the international community to remain vigilant about the safety of those sheltering inside.

“I alert the world to what may happen to fellow refugees in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas,” González said, raising concerns for the individuals currently inside.

 

Venezuela Says US Navy SEAL Among Foreigners Arrested Over Alleged CIA ‘Operation’ to Assassinate Maduro

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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.

 

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo González Vows to ‘Continue to Fight’ for Democracy After Asylum in Spain

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Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González has pledged to “continue to fight” for democracy in Venezuela following his arrival in Spain, where he has been granted asylum. González, who fled Venezuela on Saturday, had been hiding at the Spanish embassy in Caracas for weeks. He arrived at the Torrejón de Ardoz military air base in Madrid with his wife around 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

González’s departure follows the controversial 28 July elections, where President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory, a result disputed by González and various international observers. An arrest warrant had been issued against González in Venezuela, accusing him of conspiracy and document forgery.

In a statement, González expressed confidence in the eventual return of freedom and democracy to Venezuela, despite his challenging departure under pressure and threats. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was barred from running against Maduro, cited a “brutal wave of repression” as a key reason for González’s decision to leave.

The opposition claims evidence that González won the election by a substantial margin, contradicting Maduro’s reported victory. The US, EU, and other foreign governments have not recognized Maduro’s win without detailed voting data.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Maduro’s anti-democratic actions and reiterated support for González’s efforts to restore democracy. EU Vice-President Josep Borrell also condemned the situation, highlighting the troubling aspect of political leaders being forced into exile.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hailed González as “a hero,” and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares affirmed Spain’s commitment to the political rights of Venezuelans by granting him asylum. González’s departure coincided with security forces surrounding the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition figures were seeking refuge amid allegations of plotting terrorist acts.