Venezuela suspends flights from Colombia after arrests of ‘mercenaries’
Al JazeeraMAY 9
Venezuela Suspends Flights from Colombia Ahead of Elections
Above: Diosdado Cabello arrives to speak to the press following the arrival of Venezuelan migrants repatriated in Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia on May 2, 2025. Image copyright: Juan Barreto/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Caracas took decisive action to protect national security and the upcoming elections after the uncovering of a terrorist plot from the far-right opposition, as security and intelligence assessments indicate that mercenaries were entering Venezuela on commercial flights from Colombia as tourists.
Government-critical narrative
All too often, authorities in Venezuela claim without evidence that the opposition and the United States are planning attacks against the country, targeting its power grid, Nicolás Maduro, and other targets. This time is no different — it's another political stunt designed to further crush dissent.