Official announcements from the U.S. Treasury Department or the U.S. State Department

Venezuela Arrests Four Americans, Six Foreigners Over Alleged Plot to Assassinate Maduro, Says Diosdado Cabello

Sep 17, 2024, 08:36 PM

Venezuelan authorities have arrested four U.S. citizens, including an active Navy serviceman, on allegations of plotting to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and destabilize the country. The arrests come nearly nine months after the Biden administration celebrated a prisoner swap with Venezuela, during which Maduro's regime promised not to detain more Americans. Venezuelan officials claim to have intercepted a CIA-linked plot involving six foreigners, including three Americans, and the seizure of 400 automatic rifles. The U.S. government has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged plot. The latest detainee was captured in Caracas while taking photos of military, oil, and power grid installations. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Interior Minister, announced the arrests.