CARACAS, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Two U.S. citizens have been apprehended in Venezuela and labeled as "mercenaries" by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions peak ahead of his expected inauguration for a third term later this week. Maduro announced that the detainees, flagged as "very high level," were part of a group of seven individuals he claimed were involved in plotting terrorist acts aimed at disrupting his inauguration.

In his state television address, Maduro expressed, "Just today we've captured seven foreign mercenaries, including two important mercenaries from the United States," emphasizing the seriousness of the situations leading up to his inauguration following a contested election in July that opposition figures assert resulted in a decisive victory for challenger Edmundo Gonzalez.

Alongside the two Americans, the detained group also includes two Colombians and three individuals reportedly from the war in Ukraine. Maduro's claims come amidst heightened efforts from opposition groups, which are rallying international support and questioning the legitimacy of Maduro's electoral victories.

In a broader context, the Venezuelan government has had a history of making sweeping claims about foreign threats to its sovereignty. Rights organizations highlight concerns regarding the arbitrary detainment of individuals, particularly foreigners. In late 2023, the government released multiple political prisoners, including ten Americans, following extensive negotiations with Washington. Maduro’s regime maintains that it has taken measures to secure the nation, having purportedly arrested a total of 125 foreign mercenaries over the past months, a narrative that aligns with his long-established rhetoric regarding U.S.-led conspiracies against his government.

Amid these announcements, the U.S. Department of State and Colombia's Foreign Ministry have yet to respond to inquiries regarding these recent arrests. On the political front, the continued backing from the U.S. for opposition leaders is evident, with former President Biden recently meeting with Gonzalez and expressing support for a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela.

The dynamic of Venezuelan politics remains fraught, with opposition factions calling for mass protests to challenge Maduro's administration as he prepares for his upcoming inauguration amid echoing uncertainties regarding electoral integrity and governance. This unfolding scenario sets the stage for both domestic unrest and international ramifications in the geopolitically delicate region.

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