Venezuelan authorities have dismantled a terrorist plot targeting Plaza Venezuela, one of the capital’s busiest public spaces, following the arrest of José Daniel García Ortega, who was allegedly carrying an explosive device. The announcement was made by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who linked the plan to far-right groups and foreign criminal networks.

According to Cabello, the attack was scheduled for Sunday, August 3, and involved the remote detonation of a device via cellphone. The SEBIN anti-explosives unit intercepted García Ortega and recovered a bag containing three kilograms of TNT, left near the Victory Monument in Plaza Venezuela. The minister warned that the explosion could have caused mass casualties, given the proximity of a metro station, gas line, and fuel depot.

Thirteen individuals have been detained so far, including a Colombian national known as “El Titi”, allegedly linked to the Cartel de La Guajira. Cabello stated that the suspects are part of a clandestine cell network, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional collaborators.

The minister credited citizen vigilance for helping thwart the attack, highlighting the role of a local resident who filmed suspicious activity and alerted authorities. “This is how the people defend peace,” Cabello said, urging Venezuelans to remain alert to opposition-led destabilization efforts.

Cabello also accused the United States of backing the plot, claiming that the plan was part of a broader strategy to sabotage upcoming elections and destabilize the country. He reiterated previous allegations that former Colombian presidents, including Álvaro Uribe, Iván Duque, Andrés Pastrana, and Juan Manuel Santos, have provided protection to criminal groups operating in Venezuela.

The minister warned that the criminal alliance between drug traffickers, conspirators, and armed gangs has evolved into a “legion” aimed at undermining national security. “Let’s see who’s stronger,” he said, referring to the government’s resolve to confront these threats.

In a related development, Cabello announced the seizure of over 47,000 kilograms of narcotics in recent operations, including cocaine recovered from a narco-submarine near Falcón. He emphasized that the crackdown on organized crime is part of a coordinated effort involving the FANB, police forces, and intelligence agencies.

The government has vowed to continue its offensive against terrorism and drug trafficking, assuring citizens that security forces are working “tirelessly” to preserve peace. “They sacrifice their own members,” Cabello said of the criminal groups, “but we will not allow them to sacrifice our people.”

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