Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the arrest of two American citizens, along with other foreign nationals, on unspecified charges he linked to terrorism. Maduro labeled the detainees "mercenaries" and claimed they were part of a larger group intending to destabilize Venezuela. He provided no evidence to support these accusations.

The US State Department categorically denied any US involvement in plots against Maduro, calling the allegations false. A spokesperson expressed concern for the detained Americans and stated the department is working to gather information. They highlighted the Venezuelan government's history of detaining US citizens without due process. The identities of the arrested Americans have not been disclosed.

This incident coincides with Maduro's contested inauguration for a third term and a visit to Washington by Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, whom the US recognizes as the legitimate winner of the recent election. President Biden has affirmed Gonzalez's victory, rejecting the results announced by Maduro-aligned courts.

Maduro's accusations echo previous claims of US-backed coup attempts. Isaias Medina, a former Venezuelan diplomat to the UN, suggests these arrests are a tactic to divert attention from Maduro's disputed legitimacy, suppress dissent, and create a pretext for crackdowns on potential protests.

The State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela due to ongoing security risks for Americans.