Maduro: US didn’t expect Caracas to capture terrorist plot leader

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Sep 2024 13:43

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the United States of supplying weapons and collaborating with criminal gangs to plot terrorist attacks aimed at destabilizing his government.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gives a speech during an event for young members of the United Socialist Party marking the party's 16th anniversary in Caracas, Venezuela, September 12, 2024. (AP)

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed that Washington "did not expect Caracas to be capable of capturing the head of operations for the terrorist plan being plotted against the country," a plan that involved "the use of more than 400 rifles brought from the United States and connections with criminal gangs in prisons."

This came after Venezuela earlier announced the arrest of five individuals—two Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech—suspected of plotting an attack aimed at Maduro and his government.

Maduro explained that the rifles brought from the United States "were manufactured there, are not available for sale, and match the official weapons used by the US Navy."

He added that Washington knows that "fascists in Venezuela requested these rifles, which were provided by the CIA, to carry out terrorist attacks."

In the same context, Maduro confirmed that those arrested in this case "were convicted and confessed" to the charges brought against them by Venezuelan authorities. He clarified that they "planned to use the electoral process as a trigger for escalating violence, in line with the United States' plans and those of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado."

Machado responsible for campaign against Caracas

Regarding Machado, whom he referred to as the "leader of fascism in Venezuela," Maduro noted that she "called for new sanctions to be imposed on the country," holding her responsible for the threats and psychological campaign against Caracas.

Maduro further questioned, in reference to Machado, "Who gave the Americans the authority to blackmail and threaten the judges of the Supreme Court, the National Electoral Council, and military leaders?"

He also stated that such illegal and unethical actions "only fuel more anti-imperialist sentiment and fighting spirit among the people, rather than generating pressure or fear." He added, "Sanctions inspire the people's struggle."

In this regard, Maduro pointed out that the United States "uses the same strategy in the various countries it seeks to colonize," citing Iran, Libya, and Haiti as examples where Washington collaborated with criminal gangs to fight against governments opposed to it.

On a regional level

As for the international front, the Venezuelan president stated that the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, and the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, represent "the spearhead of new colonialism and fascism in Latin America."

Maduro criticized Ecuador's president for expressing his willingness "to do whatever the United States wants," describing him as "irresponsible." He also mentioned the construction of military bases in Argentina, to be controlled by the US military’s Southern Command.

Regarding the United States, Maduro expressed his "absolute condemnation" of the recent assassination attempt on former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Maduro called on Americans to "investigate the assassination attempt so that the truth can come out, and those directing and manipulating events can be revealed," adding, "Neither attacks, coups, persecution, nor violence should prevail, but rather respect for life and peace."

Additionally, Maduro touched on the war in Ukraine, expressing confidence that Russia "will put an end to fascism in Ukraine," and affirming that "peace between Moscow and Kiev will be achieved, sooner rather than later."