Venezuela confiscates Israeli-made arms linked to terror plot
Venezuela links the terror plot to Colombian drug cartels, right-wing operatives, and US-backed intervention efforts.
-
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello addresses supporters during a pro-government rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP)
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Tuesday that authorities confiscated Israeli-made weapons intended for use in "terrorist attacks", linking the operation to the Venezuelan right-wing and Colombian drug cartels.
Weapons confiscated in Caracas, Barinas
Cabello detailed that several individuals were arrested in Caracas while guarding these rifles, along with hand grenades, high-powered ammunition, and mobile phones, adding that the detainees have since provided additional information to security forces.
In the state of Barinas, Venezuelan security forces seized electronic detonation devices designed for remote attacks, according to the minister.
A radio device, intended as a remote detonator, was also found hidden inside the spare tires of a vehicle belonging to a Colombian national. The suspect was arrested and confessed that the explosives were meant to target key institutions: the Military Academy, the National Electoral Council, the Colombian embassy, and the Supreme Court, as well as prominent public figures, according to Cabello.
Read more: Venezuelan Parliament demands return of 18 children detained in US
Drug money, mercenaries, and foreign plots
The Venezuelan minister stated that the conspiracy involved using drug trafficking funds to acquire weapons and hire mercenaries and terrorists. He asserted that the origin and logistical support of the plot trace back to Colombian narcotrafficking networks.
Read more: Maduro calls on world Jews to help end Netanyahu 'infernal madness'
Opposition accused of supporting foreign intervention narrative
Cabello warned that the goal of these actions is to substantiate the rhetoric of opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, in order to fabricate evidence for her accusations and legitimize interventionist actions against Venezuela.
“They want to justify American intervention by any means,” he said.
He concluded by denouncing what he described as the “ongoing FBI-led conspiracy" against Venezuela, adding that "Machado’s plot includes drug trafficking, terrorism, and the use of armed gangs to incite violence.”
This announcement follows an earlier revelation from Cabello in which he disclosed the foiling of a "terrorist" plot in eastern Venezuela involving smuggled weapons, rocket launchers, and the arrest of a chemist trying to contact US agencies.
Cabello also directly accused Zionist forces of attempting to expand their influence in Latin America.
Read more: Venezuela exposes opposition plot to attack synagogue, frame Iran