Venezuela Arrests Fourth US Citizen, Accusing Him of Plot to Assassinate Maduro

Venezuela has arrested a fourth US citizen, accusing him of involvement in a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro, CBS News reports.

The arrest comes just days after six other foreigners, including three other Americans, were detained on similar charges.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrest, claiming the man was caught taking photos of “electrical installations, oil facilities, and military units.” Cabello alleged the individual was part of a broader plan to assassinate Maduro and other officials, including himself.

The US State Department has denied any involvement in the alleged plot, calling the claims “categorically false.”

The arrests have escalated tensions between Venezuela and the US, which has recognized opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner of the recent presidential election. The US has also imposed sanctions on several Venezuelan officials, accusing them of hindering a transparent electoral process.

The detention of the three other Americans, including a US Navy sailor identified as Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, has sparked outrage in Washington.

Venezuela has maintained that all six detainees have confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot.