Venezuela has suspended flights from Colombia, effective immediately, following the detention of individuals allegedly planning to destabilize the country before Sunday's parliamentary elections. The flight ban, announced by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, is set to last for a week.
Authorities claim to have detained over 30 people, including Venezuelans and foreign nationals from Colombia, Mexico, and Ukraine. They are accused of plotting attacks on embassies, hospitals, and police stations. Cabello alleges the group includes explosives experts, human smugglers, and mercenaries working with the Venezuelan opposition, but provided no evidence.
Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they have not received information from Venezuela regarding the detained Colombian citizens. Venezuela's aviation authority confirmed the flight suspension, scheduled to end on Monday, May 26th. The move comes amid ongoing political tensions following the disputed 2024 presidential election and a recent report documenting human rights abuses in Venezuela.