Venezuela suspends flights from Colombia after arrests

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CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Monday he has ordered flights from Colombia suspended after the arrests of more than three dozen people, including some 17 foreigners who arrived via Colombia, over allegations of “conspiracy.”

Venezuelan authorities regularly decry conspiracies and planned attacks against President Nicolas Maduro, the country’s power grid and other targets.

They often point the finger at the country’s opposition, which they say works hand-in-glove with the United States to attack the country, accusations both the opposition and Washington have always denied.

Thirty-eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy, Cabello said during a press conference with local media.

“We have given the instruction to suspend all flights from Colombia to our country,” the minister said, adding that the measure was effective immediately.

“We have discovered a new plot of conspiracy and terrorism, we have captured a group of Venezuelans who were returning to the country with explosive artifacts,” Cabello said, adding that the group of 38 included “bombers, coyotes (migrant smugglers) and mercenaries.”

Venezuela’s aviation authority later said the measure will last until May 26 at 6 p.m. local time. Venezuela is holding legislative and gubernatorial elections on Sunday.

Colombia’s foreign ministry said it had been informed about the flight suspension by Venezuela’s government but had not yet received information about any detained Colombians.

(Reporting by Mayela Armas and Deisy BuitragoWriting by Julia Symmes CobbEditing by Rosalba O’Brien)