Guacamaya, August 7, 2025. The Sectoral Vice President of Politics, Citizen Security, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, announced this Thursday the dismantling of an alleged plan to detonate explosives in downtown Caracas. According to authorities, the operation was carried out last Sunday and led to the capture of 15 individuals, including one citizen detained in Colombia.
During a press conference held in Caracas, the high-ranking Venezuelan government official, Diosdado Cabello, reported the arrest of 15 individuals allegedly linked to a plan to carry out violent acts in public spaces, including Plaza Venezuela, where an explosive device was purportedly intended to be placed.
Cabello stated that the timely action of security forces thwarted the attack, which was planned for midday on August 3, thanks to intelligence work and citizen cooperation. The device, containing at least three kilograms of explosives, was found in a tricolor backpack abandoned at the scene by an individual identified as José Daniel García Ortega.
During the media presentation, images were shown of the moment the suspect allegedly placed the bag. Cabello claimed that a document with a name matching evidence later found at his residence was discovered inside the backpack. According to investigations, the individual allegedly received an offer of $20,000 to carry out the act.
The government spokesperson also stated that the operation led to the seizure of explosive materials such as C4, TNT, and dynamite, as well as high-caliber weapons. Of those detained, one was apprehended in Colombian territory, he said, without providing further details.
Cabello linked the case to opposition sectors, accusing them of promoting a narrative that, in his view, “verbalizes” destabilizing plans. He specifically mentioned opposition leader María Corina Machado, citing recent statements in which she called on her followers to organize clandestinely.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of citizen participation in preventing violent incidents, highlighting the case of a citizen who reported suspicious activity in time, enabling authorities to intervene.
