Venezuela says foiled ‘false flag’ plot to bomb US Embassy in Caracas

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday claimed his government had alerted Washington about a “false flag operation” allegedly planned by “extremist sectors of the local Venezuelan right” to plant explosives at the US Embassy in Caracas.

A false flag operation refers to an act carried out to make it appear as though another party is responsible. The White House and State Department have not yet commented on the claims.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez first reported the alleged plot on Sunday, saying it had been communicated to the US through three different channels. He added that a European embassy had also been informed, though he did not specify which one.

In a televised interview, Maduro said two trusted sources — one domestic and one international — had warned authorities of the possible attack, prompting additional security measures around the embassy.

He said the government knew who was behind the plot. “This was backed by a person who will be known soon and asked for by a person who will be known soon, but this is all ongoing,” Maduro said, adding that the aim was to frame his government and “begin an escalation of conflict.”

The remarks come amid renewed tensions with Washington. In recent weeks, the United States has targeted at least four vessels allegedly carrying drugs off Venezuela’s coast. President Donald Trump has also said the US would consider taking action against drug cartels “coming by land” in Venezuela.

According to the New York Times, Trump has instructed his special envoy Richard Grenell to halt all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, effectively ending efforts toward a political agreement.