Venezuela arrests 3 Americans, 3 Europeans in plot to kill Maduro; U.S. says false

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Venezuela has arrested six people, including three United States citizens, for their alleged participation in a CIA-sponsored plot to kill President Nicolas Maduro and several members of his government.

The U.S. State Department called "any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false" and noted the United States "continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela," according to a statement to CNN .

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said at a news conference Saturday night .

"The CIA is leading this operation, and that does not surprise us but they, the National Intelligence Center of Spain, have always maintained a low profile knowing that the CIA operates in this area" he said. "That does not surprise us at all."

Cabello alleged that the operation had "very clear objectives of assassinating President Nicolás Maduro" and other high-ranking Venezuelan politicians including himself and the vice president.

He claims a Navy SEAL, identified as Wilbert Castaneda, was the leader of the operation. The other Americans he named were David Estrella and Aaron Barrett Logan.

The State Department only confirmed there are three Americans, including a Navy member, being held in Venezuela with giving names.

Earlier this month, CNN reported that Castaneda was arrested in Caracas.

Also arrested, according to Cabello, were two Spanish citizens - Jose Maria Basoa Valdovinos and Andrés Martinez Adasme - and one Czech citizen, Jan Darmovzal.

Venezuelan authorities also seized 400 U.S. rifles linked to the alleged plot, Cabello said.

In July, Maduro claimed a third term.

Late last month, Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice affirmed Maduro's win, despite opposition candidate Edmundo González, citing tally sheets, stating he won the presidency with some 67% of the vote.

Since the dispute election, Maduro has detained more than 2,400 people who have taken to the streets in opposition of his rule

Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who insists his loss was stolen, fled to Barcelona, Spain, seeking asylum after an arrest warrant was issued accusing him of terrorism, conspiracy and other crimes.

On Thursday , the United States imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials aligned with Maduro, including freezing their U.S.-held assets.

On Sept. 2, the United States announced that a Venezuelan plane used by Maduro for international travel was seized in the Dominican Republic.

The Treasury has sanctioned more than 140 current or former Venezuelan officials and the State Department has identified nearly 2,000 people for potential visa restrictions for their rule in undermining democracy, engaging in significant corruption or violating the human rights of the Venezuelan people.