BOGOTA, Colombia

​​Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Monday that he had ordered the suspension of flights from Colombia, alleging individuals arriving from the neighboring nation were involved in plots to carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing Venezuela.

"We have given instructions to immediately suspend all flights from Colombia to Venezuela because the information we have has to do with this type of movement of people," said Cabello speaking on national television, elaborating on the evolving nature of the threats.

“They are mutating. Initially, they were mercenaries who didn't care whether they spoke Spanish or not. Then, they adapted to requiring Spanish speakers. Now, they are individuals entering Venezuela seemingly as tourists but with clear objectives. Thankfully, we have learned to identify and possess the capability to promptly detect the vast majority of these instances," he added.

Cabello confirmed the arrest of 38 individuals, including approximately 17 foreigners who had arrived from Colombia, for conspiracy.

According to the Venezuelan official, the foreign nationals were planning to use explosives to target hospitals, embassies, and police command centers with the intention of disrupting the upcoming May 25th parliamentary elections.

The elections referred to by the minister are those scheduled to renew the seats in the National Assembly, with the 285 elected deputies set to serve a five-year term from 2026 to 2031.

Cabello connected this group of "mercenaries" to Venezuela’s opposition, which has been urging the population to abstain from voting in the elections, alleging fraudulent reelection of President Nicolas Maduro.

The Venezuelan government has consistently cited plots to overthrow Maduro, implicating the US and Colombia, with the collaboration of his country's opposition.

"The Venezuelan state will defend itself,” said Maduro, who appeared on television after Cabello. “The truth of this conspiracy will be revealed, and it will be dismantled and defeated once again."