A joint resolution by the Ministries of Defense and Interior, Justice, and Peace, published in the Official Gazette, ordered the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces to instruct the commanders of the Strategic Regions for Comprehensive Defense.
The decision mandated “establishes strict control over the movement of people across the border, by land, air, sea,” and vehicular traffic, from 12:01 a.m. local time until 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 26th.
The measure seeks to safeguard “the inviolability of the borders and prevent activities by individuals who could pose threats to the security” of the Bolivarian Republic, the official text stated.
It prohibits the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the national territory during the elections, as well as public meetings and demonstrations, gatherings of people, and any other similar act that could disrupt the normal conduct of the electoral process. The mandate also restricts the transfer, movement, use, or operation of heavy machinery throughout the country on the aforementioned date.
The preventive measures came into effect amidst allegations by authorities about terrorist attack plots planned by the national far-right and opposition figures based in the United States.
Venezuela’s Minister of the Interior, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, presented evidence last Monday of violent plots involving explosives, in which national and foreign terrorists are implicated. These plots, specifically targeted accredited embassies, police commandos, public transportation units, electrical substations, healthcare centers, and figures from the Venezuelan Revolution and opposition.
Cabello reported the arrest by security forces of 38 persons: 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners of various nationalities, including coyotes, drug traffickers, and mercenaries, who entered through the border or on regular flights. Among those detained are Mexicans, Colombians, Ukrainians, an Albanian, Argentines, a Spaniard, and Bulgarians.
During the closing stages of the election campaign in Caracas, President Nicolás Maduro announced the arrest of more than fifty mercenaries during security force operations.
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