U.S. Citizens Arrested in Venezuela Amid Mercenary Claims

Two U.S. citizens were detained in Venezuela, identified as 'mercenaries' by President Nicolas Maduro. Alongside them, Venezuelan authorities arrested five other foreigners. This follows recent prisoner releases after U.S.-Venezuela negotiations, including the release of Colombian businessman Alex Saab, aligning with Maduro's upcoming third-term inauguration.

In a surprising turn of events, Venezuela has detained two U.S. citizens among a group of seven individuals referred to as 'mercenaries' by President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro, announcing the arrests on state television, did not provide extensive details about these alleged high-level operatives.

The arrests precede Maduro's third term in office following a highly contested election. The detained group reportedly comprises two Colombian nationals and three Ukrainians alongside the two Americans. Maduro, however, refrained from offering additional evidence supporting these arrests.

This incident occurs in the wake of recent negotiations between Venezuela and the United States that resulted in the release of numerous prisoners, including ten Americans. Concurrently, the U.S. released Alex Saab, a prominent Colombian businessman and ally to Maduro, amidst evolving diplomatic relations between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)