The Minister of People’s Power for Internal Affairs, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, reported that far-right wing leader María Corina Machado contacted former military and police officials linked to Juan Guaidó in order to recruit them into a paramilitary army. This group is reportedly about to enter the country under the name «Operation Jupiter,» with the goal of carrying out a coup d’état in July or August.
The senior official asserted that Machado offered reinstatement and promotions to any defectors who may join her cause. He also noted that Venezuelan authorities have a complete list of those implicated, including names, phone numbers, and vehicles that would be used in the violent actions. The minister also mentioned that the Colombian mercenaries recently captured at the Guri hydroelectric plant betrayed several opposition leaders during interrogations by the SEBIN (Bolivarian National Intelligence Service).
According to the investigation, those involved were planning to attack the municipal elections. The strategy was to create chaos three days before the elections to force the suspension of the electoral process. The head of the Office of the Interior, Justice, and Peace revealed that evidence of these plans was found on the phones seized from a.k.a. «Cachete»—one of those arrested—including maps and aerial images of strategic targets.
Minister Cabello emphasized that authorities have detailed evidence on the groups involved, highlighting their presence in La Guaira and Aragua states. Cabello warned that they will continue dismantling terrorist cells and will not allow undercover commanditos to affect the peace of the country.