Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, a U.S. Navy SEAL, has been detained by Venezuelan authorities on allegations of a CIA-led assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro.
At a Glance
- U.S. Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda detained by Venezuela in late August.
- Venezuelan authorities claim involvement in CIA-led assassination plot against Nicolás Maduro.
- U.S. officials refute allegations, denying any U.S. government connection.
- State Department aware of unconfirmed reports of two other detained U.S. citizens.
- Incident highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Venezuelan relations.
Navy SEAL Detained in Venezuela
U.S. Navy SEAL Petty Officer First Class Wilbert Joseph Castaneda was detained by Venezuelan authorities at the end of August. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has accused Castaneda of being involved in a CIA-led plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and overthrow his regime. These accusations have further strained relations between the United States and Venezuela, especially in the wake of the country’s controversial election.
U.S. officials have firmly denied any involvement in such a plot, stating that there is no U.S. government plan to overthrow Maduro. According to the State Department, they are aware of unconfirmed reports of two additional U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela.
Sailor Held by Venezuela for Alleged Maduro Assassination Plot Is a Navy SEAL, Service Records Show https://t.co/bmDXzy9xwY
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) September 16, 2024
Background and Allegations
Diosdado Cabello has accused Castaneda of planning a high-profile assassination plot. Venezuelan authorities allege that plans included killing President Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and Cabello himself, as well as attacking public infrastructure. The incident has been compared to a 2020 plot involving former U.S. Green Beret Jordan Goudreau, who attempted to train Venezuelan army deserters to overthrow Maduro.
“Castañeda is the head of the operation, placed here by the CIA,” said Cabello.
Cabello demanded that the U.S. government address these allegations and clarify the involvement of its agencies. Venezuelan officials have also shared images of conversations, allegedly showing Castaneda discussing violent plans for election night. Critics argue that this is part of a broader strategy by Maduro’s government to deflect accusations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses.
Venezuelan authorities announced the arrest of a US Navy SEAL and two Spanish citizens, allegedly linked to intelligence agencies, accused of plotting to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. The US has denied involvement. Read the full report here: https://t.co/gkXj704NSC pic.twitter.com/EYTcDEfs4i
— Venezuelanalysis (@venanalysis) September 17, 2024
U.S. Response and Castaneda’s Military Record
The U.S. State Department has confirmed Castaneda’s detention and refuted Cabello’s allegations. “Any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela,” the State Department said.
Castaneda’s military records do not support the claims made by Cabello that he had deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Colombia. Despite having several medals and ribbons, he has no combat or valor awards. Notably, Castaneda was not on official travel or approved leave at the time of his detention and has been stripped of his Special Warfare insignia, which indicates his removal from the elite warfare community.
