Maduro says 'Bolivarian fury' plan activated in face of terrorism

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
20 Jan 2024 15:57
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Venezuelan President Nicola Maduro emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive civic-military-police plan to thwart any plan to destabilize the country.

Venezuelan President Nicola Maduro speaking at the Congress of the New Era in Aquiles Nazoa Cultural Mansion, Caracas, Venezuela, on January 18, 2024. (Social media)

"The Civic-Military-Police Bolivarian Fury plan will be activated in every corner of Venezuela with the aim of being ready to face any action that threatens the peace of the Republic," announced Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after revealing that "The CIA and DEA office in Colombia continue to act against Venezuela."

Maduro announced that the nationwide "Bolivarian fury" plan would combat "any terrorist attempt" and help defend Venezuela's "right to peace," warning the opposition against awakening the "Bolivarian fury."

Expressing his concerns, Maduro underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and not succumbing to provocations by the extreme right, underscoring the need to preserve peace. He stated, "Let no one be overconfident; we are in peace, but we must protect it."

SAFB must maintain state of high alert

During a working session with the New Era Congress held at the Aquiles Nazoa Cultural Mansion, Maduro shed light on the significant financial backing behind these conspiracy plans, which he asserted aimed to undermine the nation's peace.

Maduro also announced that Diosdado Cabello, the first vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), will soon unveil a series of actions in collaboration with the People's Units for Peace (UPAZ) to activate the Bolivarian Fury plan nationwide. He stressed the need for this to be a comprehensive civic-military-police plan capable of responding to any coup attempt, no matter how it unfolds.

The Venezuelan President also issued a directive for the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to maintain a state of high alert to safeguard the nation.

"We must remain extremely vigilant, united, and fully prepared to counter any aggression against Venezuela," Maduro emphasized before adding that "Only by standing together can we overcome any threat, and peace will prevail, both now and in the future."

La orden está dada: máxima vigilancia, unión y preparación ante cualquier agresión interna y externa contra el decoro, la cohesión y lealtad absoluta de la FANB. Los enemigos de la Paz y de la Patria no descansan, quieren frenar la recuperación y la tranquilidad económica. ¡No… pic.twitter.com/uXo2I1B0dT
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) January 19, 2024

Four coups thwarted in 2023 and day 1 of 2024

In a recent address to the nation, on Monday, January 15, Maduro condemned what he described as a coup-related and violent agenda pursued by the extreme right-wing elements in Venezuela. The Venezuelan President specifically referenced four conspiracies that were scheduled to unfold in 2023 and on January 1, 2024.

Maduro also revealed that journalists from the Mayan IVC Networks channel were aware of the assassination plans and a planned assault involving mercenaries from abroad and Venezuelan military personnel stationed at the 21st Brigade in San Cristóbal.

The President even disclosed that the initial action, which had been documented by the Network, aimed to assassinate the Governor of Táchira State, Freddy Bernal, before the terrorists proceeded to Caracas in a manner reminiscent of the American entry into Baghdad. Maduro highlighted that the conspirators underestimated the potential consequences of their actions.

These plots, according to Maduro, were detected in May, August, November, and December 2023. The objectives were clear: assassinating President Maduro, Minister Padrino López, and other key leaders in Venezuela. The conspirators, Maduro said, planned these destabilizing actions from locations in Miami and Colombia, and the CIA and DEA offices in Colombia were implicated.

Biden not directly involved

Maduro did not believe US President Joe Biden was directly involved in the planning of these plots, rather he emphasized that these entities, the CIA and DEA, operated independently.

According to Maduro: "The base of the CIA and the DEA in Colombia are preparing violent, coup-like and anti-constitutional actions against Venezuela (…) I do not believe that Biden is involved, but that the CIA and the DEA, organizations that operate independently, criminal entities, and more so from Colombia, imagine the degree of corruption."

Maduro explained that one plot was thwarted after Antonio Ledezma, from the Venezuelan opposition, hinted at the involvement of military personnel in these conspiracies when he said, "We have military personnel, and they will act." Following his statement, the officer who was tasked with carrying out the assassination was identified and detained according to the Venezuelan President.

Additionally, senior officials in Táchira and Zulia were compromised after they were "bought" by the Venezuelan right-wing and foreign agencies and tasked with carrying out attacks against the President's life. Thanks to intelligence efforts, these plots were uncovered and dismantled in time, revealed Maduro.

The most recent conspiracy was set for January 1 in Táchira, involving deserting soldiers, mercenaries, and bought-off military personnel. Their primary objective was to assassinate Governor Freddy Bernal. President Maduro affirmed that all those responsible were apprehended, tried, and confessed to their involvement. He commended the intelligence agencies and the unwavering loyalty of the Armed Forces in countering these conspiracies, emphasizing that peace could be safeguarded by defeating such threats.