In recent months, Venezuelan authorities have detained several Americans amid escalating U.S. military and economic pressure on the country, according to a U.S. official.

Some detainees face legitimate criminal charges, while at least two may be designated as wrongfully held.

These include three dual Venezuelan-American citizens and two Americans with no known ties to Venezuela.

Past negotiations under the Trump administration had secured the release of 17 Americans, but the suspension of talks in favor of a pressure campaign led to a rise in detentions, the New York Times has reported.

The presence of Americans in Venezuelan custody could complicate U.S. military operations in the region, though officials factor their safety into planning, and the identities of most detainees remain unknown.