Venezuela accuses Colombia of 'maritime attack'
Venezuela accuses Colombia of 'maritime attack'
The government of the Latin American country of Venezuela has said it has foiled an attempt at a naval strike by Colombian "mercenaries".
The group arrived in the coastal state of La Guerra on Sunday morning in a speedboat, Interior Minister Nestor Riverol said in a statement.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro often accuses opponents of trying to oust him with US support. However, the opposition has denied the allegations, saying the incursion was a sham.
Colombia, on the other hand, has called the Venezuelan government's statement baseless. Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Colombia last year.
According to the Venezuelan government, the group landed in the city of Makoto, 21 miles (34 kilometers) north of the capital Caracas.
"A group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia tried to attack from the sea in order to carry out terrorist acts in the country and assassinate the leaders of the revolutionary government," the interior minister said.
Ruling Socialist Party leader Diosdado Cabello said eight people had been killed and two detained, while Defense Minister Vladimir Pedrino said a speedboat had sunk and that the army was likely to rescue survivors. Searching on
But Juan Guido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, accused President Maduro's administration of trying to divert people's attention from the recent violence in the country. The incidents include a prison riot on Friday and clashes between different groups in Caracas on Saturday night.
"The government is trying to divert people's attention through an incoherent, contradictory and suspicious incident," his press team said.
Juan Guido has Washington's backing and says he is determined to use tough sanctions to oust President Maduro and the Socialist Party.
The government of the Latin American country of Venezuela has said it has foiled an attempt at a naval strike by Colombian "mercenaries".
The group arrived in the coastal state of La Guerra on Sunday morning in a speedboat, Interior Minister Nestor Riverol said in a statement.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro often accuses opponents of trying to oust him with US support. However, the opposition has denied the allegations, saying the incursion was a sham.
Colombia, on the other hand, has called the Venezuelan government's statement baseless. Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Colombia last year.
According to the Venezuelan government, the group landed in the city of Makoto, 21 miles (34 kilometers) north of the capital Caracas.
"A group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia tried to attack from the sea in order to carry out terrorist acts in the country and assassinate the leaders of the revolutionary government," the interior minister said.
Ruling Socialist Party leader Diosdado Cabello said eight people had been killed and two detained, while Defense Minister Vladimir Pedrino said a speedboat had sunk and that the army was likely to rescue survivors. Searching on
But Juan Guido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, accused President Maduro's administration of trying to divert people's attention from the recent violence in the country. The incidents include a prison riot on Friday and clashes between different groups in Caracas on Saturday night.
"The government is trying to divert people's attention through an incoherent, contradictory and suspicious incident," his press team said.
Juan Guido has Washington's backing and says he is determined to use tough sanctions to oust President Maduro and the Socialist Party.
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