A US service member has been detained in Venezuela, according to four US officials familiar with the matter.
The U.S. Navy SEAL, a U.S. citizen, was detained Aug. 30 in Caracas, authorities said. One of the officials said he was being held by Venezuela’s Sebin intelligence agency.
A defense official told CNN: “We are aware of reports that a U.S. Navy sailor was detained on or about August 30, 2024, by Venezuelan law enforcement authorities while on personal travel to Venezuela. The U.S. Navy is investigating this and is working closely with the Department of State.”
Another official said the soldier was not on official travel or approved leave when he traveled to the country. It is unclear why he was in Venezuelan territory.
“We are aware of reports of the detention of an individual in Venezuela,” a State Department spokesperson said.
“We have no further information to share at this time,” the spokesperson said.
The State Department is advising Americans against traveling to Venezuela, warning that “there is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens.”
“Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years,” the Venezuela travel advisory says. “The U.S. government is often not notified of detention in Venezuela or granted access to prisoners there.”
This content was originally published in US military detained in Venezuela, authorities say on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
