Venezuela’s security service has thwarted a plot allegedly backed by the CIA to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. He claimed that two Spanish, one Czech and three US nationals had been detained, including an active serviceman of the American military. Furthermore, several hundred military-grade firearms were seized.
This development comes after a contested presidential election in July, which saw Maduro re-elected for his third term with 52% of the vote. However, opposition figures accused the government of rigging the election. As a result, the US, EU, most Latin American states and the G7 have refused to recognize Maduro as the elected head of state. In turn, Caracas has accused Washington of attempting to stage a coup.
During an interview with broadcaster Telesur on Saturday, Cabello identified the alleged ringleader as Wilbert Castaneda, a US citizen and Navy SEAL decorated for missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, who was detained on September 1. The US Department of State confirmed that several American citizens had been taken into custody in Venezuela, but “categorically” denied allegations of a US government role in any conspiracy to oust Maduro.
In addition, Cabello revealed the detention of two Spanish nationals – José María Basoa Valdovinos and Andres Martinez Adasme – who were connected to Spain’s National Intelligence Center, although Madrid has denied these claims.
The plan allegedly involved mercenaries and Venezuelan criminal groups, with aims including mass prison riots across the country. The alleged conspirators had smuggled in around 400 firearms, which were seized by Venezuelan security forces, as well as plans to procure C4 plastic explosives.
Cabello claimed that the entire operation was directed by the White House and the CIA, envisaging the assassination of President Maduro, Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, and Cabello himself. The minister also accused the alleged saboteurs of planning a false-flag attack on the Argentinian embassy in Caracas to blame it on the Venezuelan government.
Furthermore, the group was intending to target public utilities and transport infrastructure across Venezuela, according to Cabello. He stated that “Venezuela is under siege by [forces of] imperialism,” pointing the finger at “far-right” forces at home.
Spain has to do with this, and the US is managing this operation,” Cabello claimed.