The U.S. State Department has categorically denied accusations of CIA involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This follows the arrest of six foreigners, including a U.S. Navy SEAL, by Venezuelan authorities.
What Happened: The State Department dismissed the allegations as “categorically false”. The U.S. continues to push for a democratic resolution to Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, CNN reported on Monday.
Venezuela had previously announced the arrest of six individuals, accusing them of involvement in a plot to destabilize the country, which has been in political chaos since disputed elections earlier this year. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed that the alleged plot was a CIA scheme aimed at assassinating Maduro.
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The arrests occurred amidst a refusal by Venezuela’s opposition, several Latin American leaders, and the United States to recognize Maduro’s contested election victory, leading to deadly protests and thousands of arrests.
Why It Matters: The U.S. has been actively involved in Venezuelan politics, with efforts to resolve the political crisis. In August, the U.S. reportedly offered amnesty to Maduro if he stepped down from his position. This was part of a broader effort to persuade Maduro to leave office before his term ends in January.
Following the contested reelection of Maduro in July, the U.S. was reportedly preparing to impose new sanctions on Venezuelan government officials. The proposed sanctions targeted key figures who allegedly collaborated with Maduro to manipulate the July 28 vote.
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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari
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