Venezuela Suspends Flights to Colombia, Citing Mercenary Plot

Caracas, Venezuela – In a significant development impacting relations between Venezuela and Colombia, the Venezuelan government announced a temporary suspension of all air travel between the two countries. The decision, effective May 20, 2025, comes in response to what authorities describe as a foiled plot to destabilize the country ahead of crucial regional and parliamentary elections on May 25. Minister of Interior and Justice, Diosdado Cabello, held a press conference to address the situation. He stated, "This decision is directly related to the entry into our country of individuals who were planning attacks with explosives." The minister further implicated Colombian drug cartels in the alleged plot. Authorities have detained 38 individuals, 17 of whom are foreign nationals with Mexican, Colombian, and Albanian citizenship. The Venezuelan government has also pointed fingers at several prominent figures, including Maria Corina Machado, Ivan Simonovis, and Alvaro Uribe, accusing them of being behind the alleged destabilization plans. While air travel is suspended, land borders remain open. The suspension of flights will remain in effect until May 26, 2025. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region.