On Sunday, the U.S. State Department dismissed Venezuela’s accusations that the United States was attempting to unseat and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, emphasizing that the U.S. is advocating for a democratic resolution to the ongoing political turmoil.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed on Saturday that the CIA was conducting a mission led by U.S. Navy personnel Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez, who, along with two other Americans and a Czech national, was arrested in Venezuela. Cabello also alleged that authorities had intercepted 400 rifles destined for “extremist groups” in the nation.

“We in Venezuela demand that the United States government clarify its agency’s involvement and its intentions to smuggle arms for the purpose of overthrowing a democratically-elected government,” Cabello stated.

The State Department acknowledged the detention of a U.S. military member in Venezuela in a correspondence with YSL News, noting that officials had been made aware of the unverified reports regarding the detention of two additional Americans, although their names were not disclosed.

“Any accusations regarding U.S. participation in efforts to depose Maduro are entirely false,” the communication asserted. “The United States remains committed to seeking a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela.”

According to the email, U.S. officials are actively gathering more information and keeping a close watch on the situation in Venezuela.

Background:

∎ The U.S. has acknowledged opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 election and recently enacted sanctions against 16 allies of Maduro accused of hindering the electoral process.

∎ Maduro, in power since 2013, insists he won the election and will not relinquish control. His reelection in 2018 also faced widespread skepticism internationally, keeping U.S.-Venezuela relations strained for years.

Spain Accused of Interfering in Venezuela

According to Cabello, two Spanish citizens arrested while photographing in Puerto Ayacucho are connected to the Spanish intelligence agency and were allegedly plotting to assassinate a mayor.

“These individuals have connections – they will surely deny it – with the center,” Cabello stated, alluding to Spain’s intelligence services. “Spain needs to decide whether it will continue to interfere in Venezuela’s matters.”

The arrests follow Venezuela’s recent decision to recall its ambassador to Spain for discussions and summon the Spanish ambassador to the foreign ministry after a Spanish official labeled Maduro’s regime a “dictatorship.”

Contributing: Reuters