Venezuela Arrests Four U.S. Citizens Over Alleged CIA Plot Against Maduro

Photo : AP

Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, has made serious allegations regarding the recent detention of multiple foreign nationals, asserting that they were part of a covert unit aimed at assassinating President Nicolás Maduro. Among those detained are four U.S. citizens, two Spaniards, and a Czech national. This situation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela, nearly a year after a prisoner exchange had briefly raised hopes for improved diplomatic relations.

The Venezuelan government announced these detentions in September, claiming that the arrested individuals were involved in a conspiracy orchestrated by the CIA and Spanish intelligence to overthrow Maduro. Both the U.S. and Spanish governments have vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as unfounded.

Cabello's assertions suggest that the detained individuals were motivated by a substantial reward of $15 million offered by the U.S. for information that could lead to Maduro’s arrest or conviction. He claims that the group was equipped with U.S.-made firearms, which Venezuelan authorities reportedly seized during their investigation. A key figure in this alleged plot, identified by Venezuelan officials as Wilbert Castaneda, has been confirmed by the White House as an active U.S. Navy member. However, U.S. officials emphasize that his travel to Venezuela was for personal reasons and unrelated to any official government operations.

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Media reports have indicated that Castaneda may also hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico and previously served as a Navy SEAL. This adds complexity to the situation, as U.S. officials continue to stress that Castaneda's presence in Venezuela was not part of any official mission.

While it is challenging to independently verify the Venezuelan government's claims, critics of Maduro suggest that the president may be reviving long-standing tactics to gain leverage amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. Over the past few years, Maduro has repeatedly accused the U.S. of meddling in Venezuela's internal affairs, citing various alleged plots against his government, including a failed drone assassination attempt in 2018 and multiple coup efforts. Despite Washington's consistent denials, Maduro has leveraged these accusations to rally domestic support by portraying the U.S. as a foreign aggressor intent on destabilizing his administration.

The recent detentions come at a precarious time for U.S.-Venezuela relations, which had shown signs of thawing following last year’s prisoner exchange. A U.S. official remarked, “The administration has made abundantly clear the expectation that additional Americans are not detained,” highlighting the fragile nature of the truce. However, with the latest incidents, there are growing concerns that this delicate balance may be in jeopardy.

Interestingly, some officials within the Venezuelan government have expressed skepticism regarding Cabello's allegations. One source noted, “I think these are more loose dogs than a real involvement from the U.S. government,” referring to the possibility that the lucrative reward might attract reckless adventurers rather than orchestrated agents of the U.S. government. Nevertheless, many believe that Maduro could be using the detained individuals as pawns in potential negotiations, especially with the U.S. presidential election on the horizon.

Historically, Venezuela has leveraged the detention of American citizens as bargaining chips in diplomatic negotiations. In previous cases, the country has successfully negotiated the release of individuals close to Maduro in exchange for easing sanctions imposed by the U.S. As this situation develops, it remains to be seen how both nations will navigate the challenges ahead in their tumultuous relationship.

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