U.S. Navy SEAL Apprehended by Venezuela: Arms Haul Discovered
Title: Venezuelan Interior Minister Accuses US Navy SEAL and Others of Assassination Plot
September 16, 2024 (our website)
In a shocking turn of events, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello declared the detention of a US Navy SEAL, Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, alongside two Spanish citizens, suspected of being linked to intelligence agencies. The duo is accused of plotting to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
At a rowdy press conference on Saturday, Cabello revealed that Castaneda was the alleged mastermind of the operation, reportedly on behalf of the CIA. The arrest of Castaneda was initially broached earlier this month, with White House Spokesperson John Kirby denying the Navy serviceman's presence in Venezuela on official business, instead arguing it was a personal trip.
According to Cabello, the assassination plot was uncovered after the discovery of a military shipment illegally smuggled into the country, which was allegedly connected to the US. The investigations further unravelled a "murky plot" to kill Maduro, as well as Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Cabello himself. The conspirators planned to launch attacks on public infrastructure, including water supplies, electricity, and transportation.
Venezuelan authorities also reported the arrest of five other foreigners in connection to the alleged operation, including two Spanish citizens, José María Basoa Valdovinos and Andrés Martínez Adasme, believed to have ties with Spain's National Intelligence Center. Two other US citizens, David Estrella and Aaron Barrett Logan, were also detained for allegedly being "hackers."
The case echoes the 2020 Operation Gideon, a paramilitary action aimed at toppling the Maduro government. In May 2020, the Venezuelan armed forces quashed the attempted incursion with speedboats that had departed from Colombia, resulting in six invading operatives killed and dozens arrested.
The US State Department quickly responded, dismissing the allegations as "categorically false". Cabello, however, maintains that Venezuela is under siege by US imperialism, with the US allowing its territory to be used to arm radical groups.
Insights: The timeline of events indicates an ongoing saga, with previous diplomatic requests for consular access, and US State Department declarations labeling the charges as politically motivated. This case exemplifies asymmetric tactics in Venezuela-US relations, where security incidents are utilized as diplomatic leverage points.
Context: The accusations surface amidst sensitive negotiations over oil sanctions relief and prisoner exchanges, while the Maduro government uses the case to reinforce anti-imperialist rhetoric ahead of the 2024 elections. This case underscores the dangers for former operatives working in high-risk private security sectors. Recent US-Venezuela prisoner swaps suggest potential avenues for resolution, though Castaneda's dual citizenship complicates standard protocols.
- The US Navy SEAL, Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, who was allegedly recently detained by Venezuelan authorities, is accused of masterminding an assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
- In a press conference, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed that Castaneda was working on behalf of the CIA in regards to a suspected operation in 2024.
- The alleged operation also involved two Spanish citizens, José María Basoa Valdovinos and Andrés Martínez Adasme, who are believed to have ties with Spain's National Intelligence Center.
- The case packages with the 2020 Operation Gideon, another paramilitary action aimed at toppling the Maduro government, reminding us of the continuing tension between the US and Venezuela, particularly in their politically charged, high-risk crime and justice matters.
