Mercenary Plot: Venezuela Suspends Flights from Colombia

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the immediate flight ban, set to last until May 26, citing alleged plans to place explosives at embassies, hospitals, and police stations.

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Venezuela has suspended flights from neighboring Colombia after detaining over 30 people accused of plotting activities to destabilize the country before Sunday’s parliamentary election. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the immediate flight ban, set to last until May 26, citing alleged plans to place explosives at embassies, hospitals, and police stations.

The detainees include 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners, some holding Colombian, Mexican, and Ukrainian citizenship. According to Cabello, the group comprised experts in explosive devices, human smugglers, and mercenaries working with Venezuela’s political opposition. However, Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it had not received any information regarding the detention of Colombian citizens.

This move is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with Venezuela’s government frequently claiming to be the target US- and Colombia-backed coup plots. The opposition, which has pledged a voter boycott, claims its tally showed a clear victory for its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, in the July 2024 presidential election. The Organization of American States has reported severe human rights abuses in Venezuela’s post-election period.

Flight Suspension
The flight suspension between Venezuela and Colombia is expected to last until May 26, with Venezuelan authorities citing the need to prevent further alleged mercenary activities. Colombia’s civil aviation authority has confirmed the suspension of commercial flights, while Venezuela’s aviation authority stated that flights will resume after Sunday’s parliamentary elections.

Reactions and Background
The alleged plot has sparked tensions between the two countries, with Venezuela’s government accusing Colombia of backing coup plots. Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied receiving any information about the detention of Colombian citizens, adding to the diplomatic strain. Venezuela and Colombia reopened flight routes in November 2022, after President Gustavo Petro reinstated ties. However, diplomatic outcry led to Venezuela breaking off ties with some countries, and airlines suspended flights due to unpaid debts.

Human Rights Concerns
The Organization of American States has reported severe human rights abuses in Venezuela’s post-election period, particularly after the July 2024 presidential election. The opposition claims its tally showed a clear victory for candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, but the government has maintained control. The recent arrests and flight suspension have raised further concerns about Venezuela’s stability and human rights situation.⁵

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