Venezuela bans flight arrivals from Colombia after being arrested in suspected anti-government plots

Caracas, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuela banned flights from neighboring Colombia on Monday after authorities detained more than 30 people who were allegedly planning events to undermine the country's activities.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the ban was “direct” and would last Sunday, when voters across the country would elect the governor and members of the National Assembly.

Caberlo said the anti-government plan involved the placement of explosives in Venezuela's embassy and other facilities. He said authorities detained 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners, some of whom have Colombian, Mexican and Ukrainian citizenship.

Cabello has provided no evidence that the group is working with the political opposition in Venezuela.

The Columbia Foreign Secretary and the President's office did not immediately respond to the Associated Press request for comment.