Venezuelan Officials Accuse Colombian Ex-Presidents of Ties to Criminal Gang
Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has made explosive accusations, alleging that former Colombian presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque are protecting the leadership of the notorious transnational criminal organization, the Aragua Train.
Cabello, speaking on his radio program, claimed that the group’s leader, Héctor Guerrero, known as ’Guerrero niño,’ has “Uribe in Colombia,” suggesting a direct link between the former president and the criminal network. he further accused Uribe and Duque of financing “bosses of organized crime in Venezuela,” alleging they are shielding them in Colombia.
cabello went on to assert that Colombian police forces are infiltrated by supporters of Uribe, Duque, and other former presidents, even under the current administration of Gustavo Petro. He characterized the situation as a “mafia” within the Colombian oligarchy.
These accusations come amidst heightened tensions between Venezuela and Colombia.
Uribe, in response, vehemently denied the allegations, calling Cabello a “scammer” and accusing him of fabricating stories to deflect attention from the Venezuelan government’s failures.He pointed to Cabello’s past accusations against him, which he claims have been proven false, as evidence of his untrustworthiness.
Uribe also criticized Cabello’s government, accusing it of being a “dictatorship” that harbors the ELN guerrilla group and invades Colombian territory. He condemned the Venezuelan government’s recent declaration of Uribe and Duque as “public and despicable enemies,” calling it a desperate attempt to silence dissent.
The situation escalated further when venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro ordered the armed forces to “prepare and oil the rifles” in response to what he called “criminal threats” from the Colombian ex-presidents.
Simultaneously occurring, Colombian authorities have been actively pursuing members of the Aragua Train. In recent months, they have captured several high-ranking members, including johan Michael García Rojas, Carlos Gómez, and Jeison Alexander Lorca Salazar.
The Venezuelan government has criticized Colombia for not doing enough to stop the Aragua Train’s operations within its borders.
Venezuela-Colombia Tensions Flare: Expert Weighs in on Explosive Accusations
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us,Professor. The situation between venezuela and Colombia seems to be escalating rapidly. Venezuelan officials have made serious accusations against former Colombian presidents, alleging ties to criminal organizations. Can you shed some light on what’s happening?
Professor: Certainly. Venezuelan Interior minister Diosdado Cabello has accused former presidents Álvaro Uribe and Iván Duque of protecting the Aragua Train, a notorious transnational criminal association. Cabello claims Uribe and duque are financing criminal bosses in Venezuela and shielding them in Colombia.
Time.news Editor: Those are serious allegations. What’s Uribe’s response?
Professor: Uribe vehemently denies the accusations, calling cabello a liar and suggesting these claims are a distraction tactic. He points to previous accusations Cabello has made against him, which Uribe claims have been proven false.
Time.news Editor: This seems to be adding fuel to the fire. How are Colombian authorities responding to these accusations?
Professor: Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, has been actively pursuing members of the Aragua Train.Recent months have seen several high-ranking members captured, demonstrating Colombia’s commitment to tackling this criminal network.
Time.news Editor: venezuela, meanwhile, seems to be taking a more aggressive stance. President Maduro has ordered the armed forces to prepare for potential threats. How concerning is this escalation?
Professor: This escalation is deeply concerning. Maduro’s rhetoric and actions raise fears of further instability and potential conflict.
Time.news Editor: what are the implications of these accusations for the region?
Professor: These accusations threaten to further strain relations between Venezuela and Colombia, already strained by historical and political differences.
They also highlight the complex issue of transnational organized crime, which transcends national borders and requires international cooperation to effectively address.
Time.news Editor: Any advice for readers navigating this volatile situation?
Professor: Stay informed about developments, rely on credible news sources, and exercise caution when traveling to affected areas.
Remember, misinformation can spread quickly in times of crisis, so critical thinking and verification are crucial.