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Venezuela, Colombia Accuse Each Other in Diplomatic Crisis

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. mbia-accuse-each-other-in-diplomatic-crisis.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 14:35 GMT by Al Jazeera
      Locales: VENEZUELA, UNITED STATES

CARACAS/BOGOTA - A diplomatic crisis is brewing between Venezuela and Colombia following accusations by Bogota of an assassination plot targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during his recent visit. Venezuela is vehemently denying the allegations and demanding the immediate release of several officials detained in Colombia, a move that threatens to unravel the nascent efforts to normalize relations between the two South American nations.

The incident unfolded after Maduro concluded a Thursday visit to Colombia, intended as a symbolic step towards mending ties. The Colombian government claims intelligence uncovered a plot to attack Maduro while he was on Colombian soil. President Gustavo Petro announced the detention of Venezuelan officials allegedly involved in the scheme, sparking a swift and strong response from Caracas.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) unequivocally demanding the "immediate release" of the detained officials, framing their arrest as a violation of established diplomatic protocols. Gil's statement underscores Venezuela's rejection of the accusations and suggests a belief that the detentions are politically motivated. Maduro himself has publicly condemned the arrests, further escalating tensions.

Petro, however, maintains that the alleged plot was discovered prior to Maduro's arrival, preventing a potentially catastrophic event. He has stated that the detained officials remain in Colombian custody while investigations continue. The Colombian government has not yet released specific details about the nature of the plot, the individuals involved beyond the detained officials, or the evidence supporting their claims. This lack of transparency is fueling Venezuelan skepticism and demands for clarification.

This latest development casts a long shadow over the recent attempts at reconciliation. For years, Venezuela and Colombia have endured a strained relationship, marked by accusations of supporting rebel groups operating across their shared border. The previous Colombian administration, under Ivan Duque, actively supported opposition figures challenging Maduro's rule and accused Venezuela of harboring Colombian rebel groups like the ELN. The border was effectively closed for years. Petro's election in 2022 signaled a dramatic shift in policy, with a commitment to dialogue and re-establishing diplomatic relations. Maduro's visit represented the culmination of these efforts, intended to solidify a new era of cooperation.

The potential consequences of this crisis are significant. Beyond the immediate diplomatic fallout, the allegations of an assassination plot could severely damage Petro's efforts to engage with the Maduro regime. Domestic critics within Colombia will likely seize on the incident to question the wisdom of normalizing relations with Venezuela, especially given Maduro's controversial human rights record and authoritarian governance.

Furthermore, the incident could reignite border security concerns. The extensive, porous border between Venezuela and Colombia has historically been a haven for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and illegal armed groups. A breakdown in diplomatic relations could lead to increased militarization of the border, hindering efforts to combat these issues.

Analysts suggest that several factors could be at play. Some speculate the alleged plot could be a false flag operation orchestrated to sabotage the fragile normalization process. Others believe it could be the work of rogue elements within the Venezuelan government, acting without Maduro's knowledge or approval, attempting to undermine Petro's peace initiatives. Still others suggest the Colombian government genuinely uncovered a credible threat and is acting to protect its sovereignty.

The next few days will be critical. Venezuela is expected to continue pressing for the release of its officials, potentially through diplomatic channels or even international arbitration. Colombia will likely demand full cooperation from Venezuela in investigating the alleged plot. The involvement of international observers, such as the United Nations or the Organization of American States (OAS), could prove essential in mediating the dispute and preventing further escalation. Without a swift and transparent resolution, the hard-won gains in Venezuela-Colombia relations risk being completely undone.