Venezuelan authorities arrested 13 people, including two American ex-soldiers, and eight people were killed in the alleged coup operation on Monday.

Members of Venezuela's opposition in October negotiated a $213 million deal with a small Florida security company to invade the country and overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, according to a document published by the Washington Post on Thursday.

The interrogation of one American was broadcast on Venezuela state television. He said the mission was to capture the President, Nicolas Maduro. His task was to secure an airport.

Luke Denman, U.S. former soldier said: "Bringing in planes, one of which includes one to put Maduro on and take him back to the United States." 

The Venezuelan authorities have not said where Denman is being held or if he has access to a lawyer.

The U.S. government will use "every tool" available to secure the release and return of Americans if they are being held in Venezuela, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed on Wednesday. Pompeo also said, "There was no U.S. government direct involvement in this operation."

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