Caracas-Sana
The Venezuelan Interior Ministry announced the thwarting of a terrorist plot targeting the government of the country and the assassination of its members, noting the arrest of Colombian mercenaries who attempted to arrive at dawn today in the coastal state of Laguera on speedboats to carry out terrorist acts aimed at overthrowing the government.
"Thanks to its rapid and effective response, the Bolivarian armed forces and the special police forces managed to kill some members of the group, arrest others and seize weapons they were in possession of," he said, noting that the army and security forces had launched a large-scale search operation by air and land. And by sea.
Riverol explained that a group of mercenaries coming from Colombia was planning to commit terrorist acts, including the assassination of government leaders, and said that the scheme was aimed at spreading violence, causing chaos and confusion among citizens, leading to a new coup attempt.
He added: "We are on permanent alert and we will resist any threat against our country and will respond strongly to these terrorist groups that are trying to destabilize us."
Caracas cut diplomatic ties with Bogota in February 2019 after Colombia recognized right-wing opposition leader Juan Guaido as "transitional president."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Madord issued an order to his country's army last September to declare a state of alert in the states bordering Colombia to face the threats of the Colombian government to launch a military aggression against Venezuela, and he also ordered extensive military exercises under the slogan "Peace and Sovereignty" in the states of Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas on the border between Venezuela Colombia.
