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Venezuela Accuses U.S. of “Piracy” After President Maduro’s Plane Is Seized

Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello, said authorities on Tuesday had arrested a fourth US citizen in connection with a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The police in Caracas arrested the American for allegedly taking photos of electrical installations, oil facilities, and military units.

Without identifying the American, Cabello stated that the individual had visited Venezuela on several occasions. Additionally, he noted that the CIA, along with Spain's National Intelligence Center, played a role in planning, promoting, and funding the plot.

Politico

On Saturday, Cabello said on national TV that authorities had arrested three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech citizen for the alleged plan. Cabello identified US citizen Wilbert Joseph Castaelda Gomez, a Navy SEAL, as the operation's leader. The minister said that two other Americans detained were David Estrella and Aaron Barrett Logan.

The US State Department and the Spanish government have both denied any involvement in plans to overthrow Maduro. Spain has requested information about the detained Spaniards and the charges against them. A US spokesperson stated that the US "continues to support a democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela."

The arrests came after diplomatic tensions between Venezuela and Spain escalated following the Spanish parliament's recognition of oppositions candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the presidential election. The Venezuelan foreign ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador earlier this week for the alleged attempt to destabilize the country.

Venezuela says 4th American arrested over alleged "plot" against Maduro

Venezuela says 4th American arrested over alleged "plot" against Maduro

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Venezuela says 4th American arrested over alleged "plot" against Maduro

Venezuela says 4th American arrested over alleged "plot" against Maduro

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