CARACAS – Venezuelan authorities have arrested two Spanish citizens, three U.S. nationals, and one Czech national on charges of attempting to destabilize the country, according to a senior government official on Saturday.

A representative from the U.S. State Department confirmed that “a U.S. military member” is among those detained in Venezuela, mentioning unverified claims of two other detained Americans, but dismissed the Venezuelan government’s allegations of U.S. involvement in any conspiracy to topple the government.

This arrest could heighten the already strained relations between Venezuela and both Spain and the U.S., following the contentious presidential election held in July.

During a press briefing, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged that the two Spaniards had connections to Spain’s intelligence agency and were plotting to murder a mayor.

Spanish media reported that the Spanish government has denied such accusations.

Cabello further stated that the three Americans and the Czech national were implicated in terrorist activities, including intended assassination attempts on leftist President Nicolas Maduro and other officials.

“These groups aim to seize the nation’s resources, and our government will firmly address any attempts at destabilization,” Cabello remarked, mentioning that authorities had also confiscated about 400 rifles presumed to originate from the United States.

The State Department reiterated that the U.S. is not involved in any conspiracy to remove Maduro from power.

“Claims of U.S. involvement in plans to unseat Maduro are absolutely untrue,” stated the spokesperson. “The United States advocates for a democratic resolution to the ongoing political challenges in Venezuela.”

The official added, “We are seeking further details and are monitoring the situation closely,” while refraining from revealing additional information due to privacy issues.

A Spanish foreign ministry source informed Reuters that they are requesting more details from the Venezuelan government.

“The Spanish embassy has formally requested access to the detained individuals to confirm their identities, nationalities, and the precise charges they face,” the source stated, wishing to remain anonymous.

The Spanish detainees were reportedly taken into custody while photographing in Puerto Ayacucho, according to Cabello.

“These individuals have connections – although they will deny it – to the central authorities,” Cabello claimed, alluding to Spain’s intelligence service.

“Spain will determine whether it will continue to interfere in Venezuelan matters.”

This week, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador from Spain for consultations and called the Spanish ambassador to the foreign ministry after a Spanish official labeled Maduro’s regime as a “dictatorship,” which has increased diplomatic tensions following the disputed presidential vote.

The Venezuelan government expressed outrage over Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s decision to meet with opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Urrutia had recently fled to Spain after facing arrest threats from Maduro’s administration.

Additionally, tensions between Caracas and the United States have escalated, as the U.S. recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the victor of the July 28 elections.

(Reporting by Deisy Buitrago in Caracas, Graham Keeley in Madrid, and David Brunnstrom and Timothy Gardner in Washington. Editing by Alistair Bell and David Gregorio)