Venezuelan gov’t arrests 38 suspected terrorists

Cabello ordered all flights from Colombia suspended, citing the terrorists were entering as tourists

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced Monday the arrest of 38 suspects, including 17 foreigners, for planning to sabotage regional elections with explosive attacks targeting embassies, hospitals, police stations, and public figures from both the ruling Chavismo and opposition.

“I must thank the opposition smoke peddlers, because when they talk about signals, we already detect the information and act to stop their attacks,” Cabelllo said in a press conference. “The plans of the violent ones do not reach May 25, they want a continued situation of violence against the country,” he added on social media.

“The instruction is clear: maximum caution, nerves of steel. While we are here, several sites in Caracas and other regions are being raided as part of the investigations,” Cabello insisted.

The plotters were allegedly linked to Colombian drug trafficking and paramilitary camps in Ecuador, including mercenaries and an Albanian-Colombian drug trafficker.

Cabello accused former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque, along with operative leader Iván Simonovis, of orchestrating the plot to discredit Venezuela’s electoral process.

In response, flights from Colombia were suspended, citing terrorists entering as tourists. Cabello emphasized ongoing raids and government efforts to ensure peace.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López reaffirmed the Bolivarian National Armed Forces’ commitment to securing the May 25, 2025, elections, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for the democratic process.

“From the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, we reaffirm our commitment to the Homeland, deploying all our support, effort, and discipline to guarantee that this upcoming electoral process this Sunday, May 25, will take place in an environment of total normality, security, and full citizen peace,” López insisted.