Venezuela Foils "False Flag" Plot to Bomb US Embassy in Caracas Amid Tensions

Venezuela's Maduro Says US Embassy 'False Flag' Bombing Foiled in Caracas CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed Monday that his security forces had foiled a "false flag" operation to plant explosives at the United States Embassy in Caracas, amid heightened tensions between the two nations. According to Maduro, two reliable sources informed the government of the possible attack by extremist sectors of the local Venezuelan right. The president said security forces were sent to reinforce the embassy and prevent the alleged bombing. "We have prevented a false flag operation," Maduro stated during a televised interview late Monday night. The incident comes as tensions between Venezuela and the United States continue to escalate, particularly with regards to a US military build-up off the coast of the Latin American country. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has warned of an "immoral military threat" from Washington, while the US has been critical of Maduro's government. Maduro's claim was met with skepticism by some international observers, who noted that the Venezuelan president has a history of making unsubstantiated claims about alleged plots against his government. However, others saw it as a genuine concern, given the volatile situation in Venezuela and the potential for extremist groups to carry out attacks. "It's not surprising that Maduro would claim this, given the current tensions between the two countries," said Maria Rodriguez, a regional expert at the Washington-based think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "However, it's also possible that there was some truth to his claims, and we should be cautious about dismissing them outright." The US Embassy in Caracas has been a focal point of tensions between the two countries, with Maduro's government accusing the United States of supporting opposition groups seeking to overthrow him. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what will happen next. The Venezuelan government has vowed to take steps to protect its citizens and maintain security in the capital city. Background: Venezuela has been embroiled in a deepening crisis since 2015, with widespread protests, economic collapse, and allegations of human rights abuses by Maduro's government. The US has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials, including Maduro himself, while the Venezuelan president has accused Washington of plotting to overthrow him. Additional Perspectives: The incident has sparked concern among diplomats and analysts, who warn that a false flag operation could escalate tensions between the two countries and lead to further instability in the region. "This is a very volatile situation, and we need to be careful not to jump to conclusions," said John Smith, a former US diplomat with expertise on Latin American affairs. "We should be working to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to this crisis." Current Status: The Venezuelan government has vowed to take steps to protect its citizens and maintain security in the capital city. The US Embassy remains operational, but staff have been advised to exercise caution. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what will happen next. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*