3 US citizens detained in Venezuela, interior minister says

ByAicha El Hammar Castano and Shannon K. Kingston ABCNews logo
Sunday, September 15, 2024
CARACAS, VENEZUELA - AUGUST 17: Deputy of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello speaks to the supporters during the 'Gran Marcha Mundial por la Paz' supporting incumbent President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro on August 17, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela. President Maduro was declared as the winner of the 2024 presidential election over his rival, Edmundo Gonzalez. The result has been questioned by the opposition and internationally. (Photo by Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images)
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Three United States citizens were detained on suspicion of plotting to destabilize Venezuela, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Saturday.

The Venezuelan government also said the U.S. government has links to this operation, with Cabello saying the arrested were Central Intelligence Agency agents.

"We can confirm the detention of a U.S. military member and are aware of unconfirmed reports of two additional U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela," a State Department spokesperson told ABC News.

"Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela," the statement continued.

Two Spaniard citizens and a Czech national were arrested as well, according to the interior minister.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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