Venezuelan Government

In perpetuation of Trump administration policy and nearly two centuries of U.S. imperialism in Latin America, Antony Blinken, President Joe Biden's nominee for secretary of state, told senators Tuesday that the United States will continue to recognize the coup leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela.

Reuters reports Blinken told senators during his confirmation hearing that Venezuela needs "an effective policy that can restore... democracy" to the nation of 28 million people.

Although Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has alienated allies and adversaries alike with his government's numerous and serious human rights violations, he was democratically elected in 2013 and reelected in 2018.

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya has assured this Monday that she will support the Venezuelan elections if the requirements are met. "If there is space, however small, for elections to be held with democratic conditions, Spain will support it," she summarized in a press conference from the ministry's headquarters.

A Venezuelan court sentenced Luke Denman and Airan Berry, two former United States Army Special Forces soldiers, to 20 years in prison for their role in a failed incursion aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro in early May.

Chief prosecutor Tarek William Saab said on Twitter "Said gentlemen ADMITTED having committed crimes of conspiracy, association, illicit trafficking of weapons, war and terrorism typified in the Penal Code".

The central bank of Venezuela has filed a lawsuit against the Bank of England in order to get its hands on gold reserves worth over $1 billion in order to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Venezuela wants to sell the gold reserves and then transfer the proceeds to the United Nations Development Programme in order to circumvent the US sanctions and get the country funds in order to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Venezuelan forces have detained three more people that allegedly have been involved in the failed attempt to kidnap Nicolás Maduro. In total, more than 40 people have now been arrested after the failed attempt of a group of 60 mercenaries to kidnap president Maduro.

According to a document published by the Washington Post, the opposition of the Venezuelan government lead by Juan Guaido hired the US security firm SilverCorp that tried to invade Venezuela and overthrow president Nicolas Maduro. Guaido had previously denied any involvement in the matter.

Two former US special forces Luke Denman and Airan Berry were arrested in Venezuela after a failed infiltration attempt.

Trump denies US involvement.

Florida based private security company Silvercorp USA claims responsibility and its founder, Jordan Goudreau, accuses Juan Guaido of failing to pay him.

Guaido denies any relationship.

An attack aimed at overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ended with eight dead.

Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said on state television that armed maritime incursion with speedboats came from neighboring Colombia. Authorities said they found Peruvian documents, high-caliber weapons, satellite phones, uniforms and helmets adorned with the U.S. flag. Both U.S. and Colombian officials dismissed the Venezuelan allegations.

Several dead and two detained in failed infiltration attempt by speedboat from Colombia into Venezuela. Dead include former captain of the Venezuelan armed forces Robert Colina. Several high caliber weapons, satellite communication equipment and vehicles seized.

Justice Luis Roberto Barroso issued an injunction on Saturday suspending for 10 days a decision by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro to expel Venezuela's 30 diplomats and consular staff.

Barroso said the immediate ejection of the diplomats in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic countered humanitarian principles. The consular personnel is based in the cities of Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Belem, and Boa Vista.