Caracas, May 21, 2025 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrest of 38 individuals linked to an alleged far-right conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the May 25 regional and legislative elections.
In a Monday press conference, Cabello informed that security forces had detained 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners suspected of planning to plant explosives at embassies, hospitals, public transport, electricity infrastructure and police stations.
The operation also meant to target government officials and opposition figures taking part in the upcoming vote.
We have uncovered a new conspiracy and terrorist plot to generate violence in the country, revealing that the detainees included mercenaries, smugglers and explosives specialists.
The detainees reportedly include Colombian, Mexican, Ukrainian, and Albanian nationals who entered Venezuela via Colombia, either by air or land, attempting to pose as tourists.
Flights from Colombia have been suspended until Monday, May 26, at 6 pm as a security measure.
Minister Cabello said that the Venezuelan far-right opposition, led by María Corina Machado, and Colombian far-right and DEA drug trafficking sectors were responsible for planning and financing the operation.
Machado has publicly called for boycotting Sunday’s election.
They [the far right] do not care if there are casualties. The scenario they want to present is that there are no conditions in Venezuela for holding an election, Cabello said. He added that investigations are ongoing and urged the population to stay on maximum alert.
Venezuela has faced numerous terrorist and mercenary threats and attacks as US-backed sectors have repeatedly attempted to overthrow the Maduro government.
Last year, a reported anti-terrorist operation resulted in the detention of dozens of operatives, and earlier this year, an alleged assassination plot against President Nicolás Maduro was thwarted.
Anti-government groups have likewise incited violence, boycotts and destabilization attempts in past electoral cycles.
After Maduro secured a third presidential term in July 2024, far-right factions alleged electoral fraud and unleashed violent protests, leading to multiple arrests and the death of two Chavista grassroots leaders.
On Monday, President Maduro stated that the newly dismantled conspiracy included attacks on election day, but reassured that his government would guarantee peace and stability.
The Venezuelan state will once again defeat and expose the truth behind this conspiracy, Maduro declared during a meeting with the Great Patriotic Pole (GPP) campaign command as candidates gear up for final rallies on Thursday.
The GPP is comprised of 13 Chavista parties, including the ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV).
The president urged citizens to exercise their right to vote and called on pro-government forces to break through the media blockade surrounding the electoral process.
More than 21 million Venezuelans are eligible to vote in Sunday’s contests. They will elect a new 285-member National Assembly (AN) for a five-year term, along with 24 governors and regional legislative councils, each with four-year terms.
The ballot will feature 52 parties, including those in the GPP block. The remaining parties are moderate opposition forces that have rejected boycott calls from the far-right camp.
Venezuela Analysis / ABC Flash Point News 2025.