Venezuela is arresting its fourth American citizen this month, the interior minister said via Reuters

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela has arrested a fourth U.S. citizen since the start of this month, the country’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Tuesday, without naming the person detained.

The American was arrested after taking photos of military units, power plants and state entities, Cabello said during a session of the National Assembly that was broadcast on state television.

“Another citizen of North American origin was captured, an American that we were following was captured here in Caracas taking pictures of electrical installations, oil installations, military installations,” Cabello said.

Spain on Saturday asked Venezuela for information on the arrest of two Spaniards, three US citizens and a Czech, following reports that they were being held over an alleged plot to destabilize the country.

The arrests came after the Venezuelan government this week recalled its ambassador to Spain for consultations and summoned the Spanish ambassador to the foreign ministry, escalating diplomatic tensions following Venezuela’s disputed presidential election.

“Be assured that this gentleman is part of the plan against Venezuela,” Cabello said.