US Denies Involvement in Alleged Maduro Assassination Plot; Six Arrested
The US state department has vehemently denied any involvement in an alleged assassination plot against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following the arrest of three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech by Venezuelan officials. The claims of a plot against Maduro were announced by Diosdado Cabello, the Venezuelan interior minister, on state television. Cabello alleged that the foreign citizens, including a US navy member, were part of a CIA-led conspiracy to overthrow the Venezuelan government and assassinate key members of its leadership.
US Response and Sanctions
In response to the allegations, the US state department issued a statement refuting any involvement in the plot. They emphasized their support for a democratic solution to Venezuela’s political crisis and dismissed the claims as “categorically false.” The US government’s denial comes just days after imposing sanctions on 16 allies of Maduro, accusing them of obstructing voting during the disputed presidential election and committing human rights abuses.
International Tensions and Election Disputes
The recent developments have further strained relations between Venezuela and several countries, including the US and Spain. Spain’s parliament recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the election, sparking outrage among Maduro allies. This led to calls for the suspension of commercial and diplomatic relations with Spain. Tensions have escalated following the election, with protests erupting in Venezuela and hundreds of opposition activists being arrested.
Venezuela’s electoral council, aligned with the Maduro administration, declared Maduro the winner with 52% of the vote. However, opposition activists obtained tally sheets from 80% of voting machines, which indicated Gonzalez as the clear winner with twice as many votes as Maduro. Despite international condemnation and calls for transparency, Venezuela’s supreme court confirmed Maduro’s victory in August, leading to conspiracy charges against Gonzalez, who sought refuge in Spain.
Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has consistently accused the US of trying to overthrow his government through sanctions and covert operations. The Maduro administration has a history of using imprisoned Americans as bargaining chips. In a 2023 deal, Maduro released 10 Americans and a fugitive wanted by the US in exchange for a presidential pardon for Alex Saab, a close ally facing money laundering charges in the US.
The recent arrests and allegations of an assassination plot have heightened tensions between Venezuela and the US, with Maduro’s administration doubling down on its accusations of foreign interference. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to exchange accusations and threats, further complicating efforts to resolve the political crisis in Venezuela.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, with concerns growing over the potential for further unrest and violence. Calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic principles have been echoed by several countries, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.