Power restored in Spain and Portugal but reason for blackout remains a mystery

The reason behind the massive blackout that had hit Spain and Portugal on Monday remained unclear, with some isolated disruptions persisting on the following day after the majority of power was restored.

One of the biggest power outages in Europe grounded flights, paralysed train services, disrupted mobile communications and caused ATMs to shut down across the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain and Portugal scramble to restore power as officials chase cause of outage

A sweeping power outage left millions of people in Spain, Portugal and parts of France without electricity on Monday, leading to chaotic scenes and widespread disruption.

A problem with the power connection between France and Spain was a contributing factor to the outage, the head of a trade body that represents Europe's power industry said.

Kristian Ruby, of Eurelectric, told the BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight a "specific incident with an interconnector between France and Spain" occurred on Monday...

Floods in Spain kill at least 51 people in Valencia region

At least 51 people have been killed in flash floods sweeping the eastern Spanish region of Valencia following torrential rain on Tuesday that left roads and towns under water, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Rescuers using dinghies worked in the dark to scour the floodwaters, rescuing several people, television pictures from the town of Utiel showed, and emergency services were still working to reach the worst-hit areas.

Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, said some people remained isolated in inaccessible locations.

US denies claim CIA tried to overthrow, kill Venezuelan President Maduro

The State Department on Sunday denied Venezuela's claim the U.S. was trying to overthrow the government and assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, saying the U.S. seeks a democratic solution to the political crisis.

Venezuela Interior minister Diosdado Cabello alleged Saturday the CIA was leading an operation headed by U.S. Navy member Wilbert Joseph Castañeda Gomez, who was detained in Venezuela with two other Americans and a Czech citizen. Cabello also said 400 U.S. rifles bound for "extremist groups" in his country had been seized.

US denies claim CIA plotted to kill Venezuela president

The United States has dismissed claims made by Venezuela that the CIA plotted to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and other top officials.

Three US citizens, two Spaniards and one Czech national have been arrested on suspicion of plotting to destabilise the country, the Venezuelan interior minister said.

Calling the detainees “mercenaries”, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed that the CIA was "leading the operation” and that hundreds of weapons had been seized.

Venezuela Arrests Americans for Alleged Nicolás Maduro Assassination Plot

Venezuelan Interior Minister and long-suspected drug lord Diosdado Cabello announced on Saturday that the socialist regime arrested three U.S. citizens for their alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro.

As is customary for the Venezuelan regime, Cabello accused the CIA of being behind the alleged plot, offering no evidence to back up the claim. He further accused Spain’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI) of being “neck-deep” in the purported CIA plan.

Venezuela opposition leader Edmundo González reportedly leaves country for Spain

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González has left the South American country after seeking asylum in Spain, according to the Spanish foreign minister.

“Edmundo González, at his own request, flew to Spain on a Spanish air force plane,” José Manuel Albares said in a statement online, adding that the “government of Spain is committed to the political rights and physical integrity of all Venezuelans”.