Baghdad-INA
Officials in Venezuela announced that 33 soldiers described as “traitors” were expelled from the army for their involvement in alleged “plots” to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro.
A government statement listed the names of the expelled soldiers accused of treason, including a general.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said that the 33 military personnel were “involved in plots to plan criminal and terrorist acts and even contemplate the assassination of the national president.”
He added in a video clip posted online that these crimes represent “acts of treason against our ancestral land.”
The army is one of Maduro’s main supporters, and has confirmed its loyalty to him at several points.
In addition to its military duties, the army controls oil, mining, and food companies, in addition to the customs agency and many major ministries.
The opposition and NGOs accuse the army of participating in corruption through deep-rooted networks that have influenced many of its officers.
Prosecutor General Tarek William Saab, loyal to Maduro, announced on Monday the arrest of another group of 32 civilians and soldiers after a months-long investigation for their role in the same plot allegedly supported by the United States to assassinate Maduro.
More arrests were announced, although no specific number was provided.
2024-01-25 05:22:49