Venezuela arrests fourth US citizen this month, interior minister says

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela has arrested a fourth American citizen since the start of this month, the country’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Tuesday, without naming the person detained.

The American was arrested after taking photos of military units, power stations, and state entities, Cabello said during a National Assembly session which was broadcast on state television.

“Another citizen of North American origin was captured, an American we had been following was captured here in Caracas taking photos of electrical installations, oil installations, military units,” Cabello said.

On Saturday, Spain asked Venezuela for information regarding the arrest of two Spaniards, three US citizens and a Czech, following reports they were detained over an alleged plan to destabilize the country.

The arrests came after the Venezuelan government recalled its ambassador to Spain this week for consultations and summoned the Spanish ambassador to appear at the foreign ministry, escalating diplomatic tensions following Venezuela’s disputed presidential election.

“Rest assured that this gentleman is part of the plan against Venezuela,” Cabello said.