Official announcements from Venezuelan judicial proceedings or credible news sources

Venezuela Arrests 125 Foreign 'Mercenaries,' Including Two Americans and Three Ukrainians

Jan 7, 2025, 11:49 PM

Venezuelan authorities have detained 125 foreign nationals on charges of engaging in terrorist activities and destabilization efforts, according to Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello. The detained individuals, described as 'mercenaries,' include citizens from the United States, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Yemen, and Ukraine, among others. President Nicolas Maduro announced the arrest of a new group of seven foreign mercenaries, including two Americans, two Colombians, and three Ukrainians. He described the American detainees as 'very high-level' individuals but did not provide further details, stating, 'They're caught with the goods, of the highest level, like never before.' Maduro accused the group of plotting to destabilize the country and overthrow his government. Cabello, serving as Interior and Justice Minister, noted that 'they don't believe in elections,' referring to the alleged mercenaries' intentions. The arrests follow the presidential election held on July 28, with authorities alleging foreign involvement in attempts to undermine the nation's stability.