Four US officials who are aware of the situation say that a US service man has been detained in Venezuela.
According to the officials, the military member, a US Navy sailor and US citizen, was taken into custody in Caracas on August 30. According to one of the officials, he is being detained by SEBIN, the Venezuelan intelligence organization.
According to a defense official speaking to CNN, “we are aware of reports that a US Navy Sailor was detained by Venezuelan law enforcement authorities while on personal travel to Venezuela on or about August 30, 2024.” The State Department is collaborating closely with the US Navy as they investigate this. For any inquiries, we direct you to the State Department.”
According to a different authority, the service member did not enter the nation while on authorized leave or official business. The reason for his travel remains unclear.
A representative for the State Department stated, “We are aware of reports of the detention of an individual in Venezuela.”
The representative stated, “At this time, we have no further information to share.”
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on behalf of the White House on Wednesday that they are “in touch” with Venezuelan authorities to obtain additional details about the issue.
During the White House press briefing on Wednesday, Kirby stated, “We’re obviously in touch, as appropriate as you think we would be with Venezuela authorities to try to get more knowledge and information about this.”
The State Department warns that “there is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals” and discourages Americans from visiting Venezuela.
According to the travel alert for Venezuela, “Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years.” “In general, the U.S. government is not informed about the detention of its citizens in Venezuela or allowed access to their prisoners.”
CNN has sent a comment inquiry to the Venezuelan government.
The arrest of a US citizen coincides with a period of severe turmoil in Venezuela following protests and the rejection of several Latin American governments’ attempts to recognize the dictatorial leader of the nation, Nicolas Maduro, in his reelection in July. Venezuela saw protests after the election, which claimed at least eleven lives.
Maduro’s aircraft was taken by the US in the Dominican Republic only this past week. The seizure was initially reported by CNN, marking a significant step in the already hostile US-Venezuela relationship. The seizure “sends a message all the way to the top,” a US official told CNN.
It is unprecedented for the jet of a foreign head of state to be seized for criminal purposes. The person stated, “We’re making it very evident that nobody is above the law or the reach of US sanctions.
Americans, including the “Citgo 6,” home from Venezuela in 2022. This is the latest instance of a US service man being detained. following five years of incarceration within the nation. December.
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