CARACAS: Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accused opposition groups of orchestrating damages to diplomatic facilities in five countries. Gil’s statement described these acts as coordinated by “comanditos,” grassroots groups allegedly tied to opposition efforts. However, no evidence was provided to support these claims.
The accusations followed President Nicolás Maduro‘s contentious swearing-in for a third term, despite credible election fraud allegations. The opposition has yet to officially respond to the minister’s accusations.
Incidents Prompt International Investigations
Portugal, Germany, Spain, Colombia, and Costa Rica were identified as countries where facilities were damaged. Venezuela urged local authorities in these nations to expedite investigations. For example, Lisbon law enforcement is probing an incendiary attack on Venezuela’s consulate over the weekend.
Portugal’s Foreign Ministry condemned the incident, calling it an “intolerable act,” while increasing security in the area. Portugal has strong ties to Venezuela, with over 200,000 Portuguese nationals officially registered there.
Vandalism Points to Electoral Disputes
Images released by Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry show a vandalized Venezuelan flag with the name “Edmundo” spray-painted on it. Edmundo González is the opposition leader widely recognized internationally as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s July presidential election.
The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner without providing detailed vote counts. In contrast, opposition tally sheets indicated González’s victory by a two-to-one margin. International observers, including the Carter Center, validated the opposition’s tally sheets.
Comanditos Linked to Opposition Activities
“Comanditos” were originally formed to mobilize voter turnout during July’s disputed election. Gil now alleges that these groups have shifted to organizing disruptive actions against Venezuela’s interests abroad. Investigations are ongoing to substantiate these claims and identify those responsible for the recent vandalism.
Rising Tensions Amid Alleged Election Fraud
The disputed election results have heightened tensions in Venezuela and abroad. Maduro’s government faces accusations of undermining democracy, while international scrutiny grows over opposition claims. The vandalism incidents have added another layer of controversy to an already unstable political climate.
