Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the arrest of two US citizens, along with five other foreigners, on charges of attempting to “practice terrorism” against the Venezuelan people. Maduro claimed the detainees were “mercenaries” and part of a larger group of 125 foreign nationals from 25 countries who entered Venezuela with the intent to destabilize the government .
The State Department has vehemently denied Maduro’s allegations, stating that any claims of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are “categorically false.” The department expressed concern for the detained Americans and emphasized its support for a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela.
The arrests come as Maduro prepares to begin his third term in office, despite widely contested election results. The US has backed opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who has been declared the president-elect by several nations.
Former Venezuelan diplomat Isaias Medina believes Maduro’s accusations are a ploy to shift attention away from his illegitimate inauguration and suppress dissent. Medina argues that Maduro is attempting to stoke fear of external interference, create scapegoats for his failing leadership, and justify crackdowns on opposition protests.
The situation remains tense, with the State Department listing Venezuela as a Level 4 “do not travel” location due to security threats.
