Headline

Venezuela Arrests Spain, U.S. and Czech Nationals for Alleged 'Destabilisation'

Venezuela - Venezuela has arrested six foreign nationals, including two Spaniards, three U.S. citizens, and one Czech, on suspicion of involvement in plans to destabilize the country, according to a top Venezuelan official. The announcement, made on Saturday, is likely to exacerbate already tense relations between Venezuela and the implicated countries, particularly in the wake of Venezuela's disputed July presidential election.

Spanish Nationals Accused

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated in a press conference that two Spanish citizens were allegedly linked to Spain's secret service and were planning to assassinate a mayor. The Spanish nationals were reportedly detained while taking photographs in the town of Puerto Ayacucho.

"These citizens have links - we know they will say no, that it is a lie - they have links with the center," Cabello said, referring to Spain's intelligence agency. He added, "Spain will decide what to do, if it is going to keep meddling in Venezuela's affairs."

Spanish media has reported that the Spanish government denies these claims.

U.S. and Czech Citizens Implicated

Cabello also accused three U.S. citizens and one Czech national of involvement in terrorist activities, including alleged plans to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro and other officials. The U.S. State Department has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

This incident occurs amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Venezuela and several Western nations. Venezuela recently recalled its ambassador to Spain for consultations and summoned the Spanish ambassador to appear at the foreign ministry. This followed accusations by a Spanish minister that Maduro was running a "dictatorship," further straining relations in the aftermath of Venezuela's contested presidential election.

Venezuela has also expressed anger over Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's meeting with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who recently went into exile in Spain after facing threats of arrest from Maduro's regime.

Relations with the United States have also soured, as Washington recognized opposition candidate Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 election.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely to see how these arrests and accusations will impact Venezuela's already strained foreign relations.

Type and hit Enter to search

Close