pentagon — Venezuela has detained a U.S. Navy sailor who was visiting the country while on personal travel, U.S. officials have confirmed to VOA.

The reason for the detention is unknown.

A defense official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity because of international sensitivities said the 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 looking into this and working closely with the State Department,” the defense official added.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. was tracking the detention closely and was seeking additional information.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby added that the U.S. was “obviously in touch” with Venezuelan authorities.

The tension in the U.S.-Venezuela relationship has been further stretched since Venezuela held elections earlier this year.

The Biden administration has questioned the results that kept Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in power, stating last month that “Maduro and his representatives have tampered with the results of that election, falsely claimed victory and carried out widespread repression to maintain power.”

Earlier this week, the U.S. seized Maduro’s plane over alleged sanctions violations.

Guita Mirsaeedi and Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
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