2 U.S. nationals captured in foiled coup attempt: Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that authorities have arrested two U.S. citizens among a group of "mercenaries," following an attempted maritime invasion on Sunday.

The two Americans, Airan Berry, 41, and Luke Denman, 34, were employees of a Florida-based security company called Silvercorp, whose owner has claimed responsibility for the invasion attempt, said Maduro, who showed on state television VTV their passports and other identification documents.

The armed incursion took place on Sunday in the port of La Guaira, 30 km north of the capital Caracas, which, according to Venezuelan officials, aimed to overthrow the government of Maduro.

Authorities blamed Colombia and the United States for plotting the incursion. Officials from both countries have denied the allegation.