Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asserted in a press briefing on Tuesday that the far-right "did everything possible to implement a violent scenario by sabotaging public services such as electricity and causing the suspension of the elections," emphasizing that "this plan was known before, during, and after July 28."

Maduro stated that "90% of those involved in violent acts are drug addicts, hired daily to carry weapons."

The Venezuelan president revealed that authorities have "identified and arrested those responsible for the violent, terrorist, and criminal attacks," noting that "80% of them have criminal records, while others recently returned to the country on flights from the United States."

ÚLTIMA HORA | Maduro sobre hechos de violencias: "Ya hemos capturado un número importante, se han capturado en flagrancia"

"El 80% tiene antecedentes penales, y una parte, son gente que ha regresado en los vuelos que mandaron los gringos" https://t.co/XlrHY14orG pic.twitter.com/cnDReEh6ze

— AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) July 30, 2024

He emphasized, "I am obliged to tell you the truth, and it is our duty to listen, arm ourselves with patience, reassurance, and strength. We know this plot, we know how to face these situations, and we know how to defeat violence."

Attacks and riots in Venezuela

On the ongoing attacks and riots in Venezuela, Foreign Minister Ivan Gil commented on the issue, stressing that the rioters' assaults included "burning state centers, beating people for supporting Chávez, destroying buses, torching workers' vehicles, and shooting at innocent people."

Gil labeled the attackers as "the most extreme enemies of democracy globally, describing them as fascists who will not be allowed to return."

On his part, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino confirmed that 23 soldiers were injured, some by firearms, in the attacks.

In a press statement, Padrino assured that "the soldiers are receiving medical care" and emphasized, "We will not allow Venezuela to revert to the turmoil of 2014, 2017, and 2019."

Venezuela demands diplomatic staff withdrawal from 7 Latin American nations

Venezuela requested that Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay withdraw their diplomatic staff from the country. This demand, outlined in an official statement from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, also includes the withdrawal of Venezuelan diplomats from these countries.

Venezuela has accused these seven nations of "interference" in its domestic affairs, particularly regarding the presidential elections held on Sunday, which resulted in President Nicolas Maduro being re-elected for a third term. The statement criticized these countries as "subordinated to Washington and aligned with the ideological tenets of international fascism."

Read more: Maduro describes far-right as 'reactionary group', recalls diplomats