Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced Tuesday the arrest of seven foreign nationals, including two Americans, whom he accused of plotting to destabilize the government. The detentions were part of what Maduro called an ongoing effort to thwart foreign-backed attempts to undermine his leadership.
Maduro alleged that the group included three individuals linked to the war in Ukraine and two Colombians, describing the Americans as “high level.” He claimed they had plans to carry out terrorist acts targeting his administration ahead of his swearing-in for a third term.
The arrests come as the U.S. continues to back opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who has been recognized by several countries as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s July presidential election. President Joe Biden hosted Gonzalez in Washington on Monday, reiterating calls for democratic reform in Venezuela.
So Rubio has been active behind the scenes:
Venezuelan authorities have arrested seven foreign mercenaries, including Ukrainians and Americans, who were planning to attack the country’s leadership, President Nicolas Maduro has claimed.— CatoTheYounger (@catoletters) January 9, 2025
And from an article on MSN it looks like 3 others of these mercenaries were Ukrainians. Maduro claims they were attempting to prevent his Jan 10 inauguration https://t.co/q7QQZoJlbf
— Liam (@skippah123) January 9, 2025
Maduro’s accusations of foreign plots have been a recurring theme throughout his tenure. His government recently reported detaining 125 foreigners accused of anti-government activities, adding to concerns about repression and political persecution.
🇻🇪 President Maduro: "125 mercenaries from 25 nationalities have already been captured… yesterday 2 Americans, 3 Ukrainians, 2 Colombians… This is a foreign mercenary aggression financed by the outgoing government of the United States."
"We will not stand idly by — ever." pic.twitter.com/5K3kUKkPBw
— COMBATE |🇵🇷 (@upholdreality) January 9, 2025
Human rights advocates warn that Venezuela’s security forces are increasingly targeting opposition leaders and their families. Gonzalez recently revealed that his son-in-law had been abducted in Caracas, while other opposition figures have reported similar harassment.
🇻🇪 US, Colombian and Ukrainian mercenaries captured in Venezuela
7 foreign mercenaries, including 2 Americans, 2 Colombians, & 3 Ukrainians, were arrested in Venezuela, Venezuelan President Maduro stated, saying that they were of an "unprecedentedly high level" for the country pic.twitter.com/qSDGVetg3u
— COMMUNITY EARTH RADIO🌎 (@COMM_EARTH) January 8, 2025
Maduro’s inauguration on Friday is expected to draw both pro-government and opposition demonstrations, though it remains unclear whether widespread protests will materialize amid ongoing economic hardship and fear of government retaliation.
