Pentagon investigating reports that U.S. marine is being held in Venezuela, U.S. defense official says

The Pentagon was informed Wednesday that a U.S. service member was recently arrested in Venezuela, a U.S. official told ABC News.

The Defense Department is “working closely” with the State Department on this issue, the official said in a statement.

“We are aware of reports that a U.S. Navy sailor was arrested on or about August 30, 2024, by Venezuelan law enforcement authorities while traveling personally to Venezuela. The U.S. Navy is investigating this matter and is working closely with the State Department. We refer you to the State Department for any additional questions,” the U.S. defense official told ABC News.

The U.S. Navy believes the sailor was arrested by Venezuelan law enforcement around August 30, another U.S. defense official confirmed to ABC News.

The sailor is based on the west coast and was not on an authorized trip to Venezuela, the official said.

The news was first reported by CNN.

At a State Department briefing Wednesday, spokesman Matthew Miller said U.S. officials were gathering information about the detention of a U.S. service member in Venezuela.

“We are closely monitoring the detention of a U.S. service member in Venezuela. We are closely monitoring the situation and seeking additional information. I have no further comment at this time,” Miller said, citing “privacy considerations.”

ABC News’ Shannon Kingston contributed to this report.