WASHINGTON — Venezuela announced Saturday the arrest of six foreign nationals accused of plotting to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the arrests at a news conference in Caracas, identifying the suspects as three from the US, two from Spain, and one Czech national. He alleged that they were planning to carry out the assassination and organize "terrorist acts" within Venezuela.

During an intelligence operation, authorities seized 400 rifles and pistols, which Cabello claimed were intended to "cause violence" in the country. He also asserted that the two Spanish suspects were linked to Spain’s National Intelligence Center (CNI).

Spanish government sources, however, denied any connection to the CNI, as reported by Spanish media. The Spanish Embassy in Caracas has sent a formal request to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry for confirmation of the detainees' identities and nationalities, as well as clarification of the charges.

The arrests come amid heightened diplomatic tensions following the July 28 Venezuelan presidential elections. Spain supported opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez and granted him protection in Madrid, which led to a diplomatic crisis. In response, Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Madrid and Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez demanded the severance of all diplomatic, economic, and commercial relations with Spain. — Agencies