US, Spain, Czech Republic demand info on detained nationals in Venezuela
- The US, Spain, and Czech Republic demanded information from Venezuela about six detained citizens linked to an alleged assassination plot against President Maduro.
- Venezuelan authorities claimed the detainees had ties to US and Spanish intelligence and reported the confiscation of 400 rifles during the arrests.
- The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the US and Spain, particularly following disputed presidential elections.
On Monday, the United States, Spain, and the Czech Republic demanded information from Venezuela regarding the detention of six of their citizens. These individuals were arrested amid allegations of involvement in a plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The Venezuelan government claimed that the detainees had connections to US and Spanish intelligence agencies and the opposition. Venezuelan authorities reported the confiscation of 400 rifles during the operation that led to the arrests, which occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Caracas and both Washington and Madrid. The US State Department confirmed the detention of a military member and reported two additional US citizens were also detained. The US and Spain have denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot. Spain's foreign ministry is actively seeking verified information about the two detained Spaniards, asserting they are not affiliated with the CNI intelligence service. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has requested consular contact for its detained citizen through its embassy in Bogota. The situation has escalated following the controversial July 28 presidential elections, which the opposition claims were fraudulent. Many countries have rejected Maduro's claim to a third term, and tensions have risen between Venezuela and Spain, particularly after a Spanish minister labeled Maduro's regime as dictatorial. The EU's top diplomat also criticized the Venezuelan government, highlighting the arbitrary detention of over 2,000 individuals in the aftermath of the elections. This incident is not isolated, as Venezuela has a history of arresting foreigners on conspiracy charges. Previous cases include Americans Luke Denman and Airan Berry, who were sentenced for a failed armed invasion in 2020 but were released in a prisoner swap last December. The current detentions further complicate the already strained diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the involved nations.