Diplomatic Strain: Arrests in Venezuela Heighten Tensions with Spain and the U.S.

Two Spaniards, three U.S. citizens, and a Czech were arrested in Venezuela, accused of links to plans to destabilize the country. Venezuela's interior minister announced the arrests amidst rising tensions with Spain and the U.S. following the disputed presidential election. Both countries denied the allegations, demanding more information.

Two Spaniards, three U.S. citizens, and a Czech were arrested in Venezuela on suspicion of plans to destabilize the South American nation, a top Venezuelan official confirmed on Saturday.

The announcement from Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello comes amidst escalating tensions with Spain and the United States following a contentious presidential election in July. Cabello stated that the Spaniards were allegedly linked to Spain's secret service and planning an assassination. Spanish media reported denials from Spain's government.

Cabello also accused the three U.S. citizens and the Czech of involvement in terrorist activities, including plans to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro and other officials. The U.S. State Department did not comment immediately. Cabello emphasized that the government would respond firmly to any destabilization attempts, revealing that about 400 rifles from the U.S. had been seized.

Spain's foreign ministry requested more information, seeking verification of the detained citizens' identities. The Spanish nationals were reportedly detained while taking photographs in Puerto Ayacucho, which Cabello linked to Spain's intelligence services. Diplomatic tensions have risen as Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain and summoned the Spanish ambassador following critical remarks from a Spanish minister.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's concerns with the United States have intensified after the U.S. recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the disputed July 28 election. Gonzalez Urrutia went into exile in Spain after threats of arrest from Maduro's regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)