US denies claim CIA tried to overthrow, kill Venezuelan President Maduro

The State Department on Sunday denied Venezuela’s claim the U.S. was trying to overthrow the government and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, saying the U.S. seeks a democratic solution to the political crisis.

Venezuela Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged Saturday that the CIA was leading an operation headed by U.S. Navy member Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez, who was detained in Venezuela with two other Americans and a Czech citizen. Cabello also said 400 U.S. rifles bound for “extremist groups” in his country had been seized.

“We from Venezuela demand that the United States government clarify the participation of its agency, that it clarifies (its plans) to traffic arms to overthrow a democratically constituted government,” Cabello said.

The State Department, in an email to USA TODAY, confirmed the detention of a U.S. military member in Venezuela and said officials were aware of unconfirmed reports that two other Americans were detained. No names were revealed.

“Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false,” the email said. “The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela.”

The email said that U.S. officials are seeking more information and monitoring the events in Venezuela.

The U.S. has recognized opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 28 election − and last week imposed sanctions against 16 Maduro allies accused of obstructing voting. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has said he won and has refused to yield power. His reelection in 2018 also drew international skepticism, and U.S. relations with Venezuela have been rocky for years.