US State Department spokesperson categorically denied his country’s involvement in any plot to target Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, describing Venezuela’s allegations as false and baseless, while announcing at the same time that the Venezuelan side had detained a US military member.
The US State Department spokesperson said that Venezuela’s allegations of US involvement in a plot to destabilize the Venezuelan government, including launching an attack against President Nicolas Maduro, are “categorically false,” according to Alhurra TV.
The spokesperson affirmed the arrest of a US military member in Venezuela, indicating they are “aware of unconfirmed reports” of the detention of other US citizens.” The Venezuelan government had previously announced the arrest of three Americans and two Spaniards on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country, pointing out that “more than 400 rifles were seized” from the US.
The five were arrested on suspicion of planning an attack targeting President Nicolas Mad
uro and his government.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said at a news conference, adding, “We know that the United States government has links to this operation.” Cabello said two Spaniards were recently detained in Puerto Ayacucho in the southwest.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and both the US and Spain over Venezuela’s disputed July 28 presidential election.
Source: Qatar News Agency