Diosdado Cabello Claims Venezuela’s Arms Monopoly
Diosdado Cabello, the interior minister of Venezuela and a figure long suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, declared on Thursday that the socialist government has a “monopoly on arms” within the country. This statement seems to reflect a newfound display of power by the regime.
Cabello, known for his aggressive demeanor, has been designated a target by U.S. authorities with a $25 million bounty due to various charges related to drug-terrorism. He made an appearance at O’Leary Square in Caracas on Thursday night, flanked by armed members of Venezuela’s law enforcement, including agents from DGCIM and SEBIN, agencies notorious for their oppressive tactics under the current administration.
During the video, which was aired on VTV—the regime’s primary propaganda outlet—Cabello made it clear that the purpose was to “tell the world that Venezuela is at peace.” He shared this message after introducing the date and time, hoping to shape perceptions around national stability.
“Venezuelans are at peace. We are gradually recovering from the attacks on our people,” he stated, also referencing the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his associate, Syria Flores.
“One fundamental reason why Venezuela enjoys peace is the state’s control over arms,” he added. “Weapons are securely held by the Bolivarian Armed Forces and the National Security Forces.”
He further commented that “the control of weapons has let the U.S. government maintain dominance,” suggesting that no group or individual should assume responsibility for recent acts of violence, particularly those involving the events of January 3.
Regarded as one of the most powerful individuals in the Venezuelan government, Cabello oversees the regime’s repressive institutions as both the interior minister and vice president for policy and national security.
In his address, Cabello warned Venezuelans, implying that “to doubt is to betray,” particularly in light of the U.S. detaining the former leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores.
Currently, law enforcement and socialist armed groups known as collectivos are stationed throughout Venezuela to threaten and detain those who celebrate Maduro’s ouster. José Antonio Colina, leader of the organization Venezuelans in Exile and Politically Persecuted (VEPPEX), mentioned that Cabello is spearheading a campaign of intimidation.
Colina noted that, in contrast to celebrations in locations like Doral, Madrid, and Colombia following Maduro’s capture, Venezuelans refrained from celebrating out of fear of the regime’s retribution. “It’s clear that anyone seen celebrating will be imprisoned,” he added.
On Wednesday, Cabello hosted a notably grim episode of his weekly program, con el mazo dando (“Strike with a mallet”), wherein he accused the United States of “murdering” individuals not directly involved with Maduro’s capture—a claim for which he provided no evidence as of the latest updates.
