Venezuela Arrests Five Foreigners for Anti-Government Activities

Venezuelan authorities have detained five foreigners, including three Americans, accusing them of involvement in a plot to destabilize the country. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrests but failed to provide evidence linking the detainees to any terrorist activities, instead suggesting they were acting on behalf of U.S. intelligence agencies. The detained individuals, who reportedly speak fluent Spanish, traveled to Venezuela under the guise of personal visits. This incident adds to a series of recent arrests of foreign nationals, which critics say reflect a growing repression in the wake of a disputed presidential election. Human rights groups and opposition members have claimed the elections were fraudulent, while the Maduro government has used allegations of foreign interference to justify crackdowns. The U.S. State Department has stated that it is gathering more information on the arrests and remains concerned about the safety of American citizens abroad.