Venezuelan authorities said they have dismantled an alleged terror cell after seizing a cache of weapons and explosives in the central state of Miranda and arresting two suspects, identified by their aliases “La Negra” and “El Flaco,” in neighbouring Sucre. Vice President for Interior, Justice and Peace Diosdado Cabello told reporters the group was preparing attacks similar to the sniper fire that preceded the failed coup against the late President Hugo Chávez on 11 April 2002. Cabello said “El Flaco” built the explosive device used in the recent Plaza Venezuela bombing and linked the plot to what he described as a broader conspiracy involving criminal gangs, paramilitaries and opposition figures. He singled out former presidential candidate María Corina Machado, accusing her of coordinating with “narcoterrorist” networks—an allegation she has repeatedly denied. In a separate statement, the Foreign Ministry accused the United States of issuing “threats and defamation” that endanger regional stability after White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reiterated Washington’s willingness to deploy military assets in the Caribbean to curb drug trafficking. Caracas said the remarks underscore U.S. “desperation” and its “lack of credibility,” insisting Venezuela will defend its sovereignty while continuing operations against organised crime.