CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuela has detained six foreign nationals, including a US Navy SEAL, on allegations of plotting to destabilize the country following contentious elections earlier this year. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claims that the plot, led by William Joseph Castañeda Gómez, a purported Navy SEAL, was orchestrated by the CIA with the goal of assassinating President Nicolás Maduro. Alongside Castañeda, two other Americans, David Estrella and Aaron Barrett Logan, were also arrested. Additionally, Venezuelan authorities detained two Spanish citizens, José María Basoa Valdovinos and Andrés Martínez Adasme, and a Czech national, Jan Darmovzal.
Cabello’s allegations extend to claims that the CIA and Spain’s National Intelligence Center were involved in the plot, which purportedly aimed to target Maduro and other high-ranking officials. Venezuelan authorities have also reported seizing 400 US rifles linked to the supposed operation.
The US State Department has dismissed these claims as “categorically false.” While acknowledging that a US military member was detained, the department emphasized its support for a democratic resolution to Venezuela’s political crisis and is seeking further details about the situation. Similarly, Spain has requested access to its detained citizens to confirm their identities and understand the charges against them.
This development comes amid ongoing disputes over Venezuela’s presidential election held in July. Maduro, who claimed victory, faces widespread international skepticism and accusations of election fraud. The opposition, led by Edmundo Gonzalez, contends that the election results were manipulated and has published evidence suggesting Maduro lost the vote by a substantial margin.
In response to the election crisis, the US has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and seized a Venezuelan plane used by Maduro for international travel. Inside Venezuela, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, with reports of severe repression, mass arrests, and a significant number of people fleeing the country. Human Rights Watch has described this crackdown as one of the harshest in years, highlighting the deepening political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
