Venezuela Suspends Flights From Colombia to Prevent ‘Entry of Mercenaries’

Mercenary claims were made by the Venezuelan security minister after reports of an increase in state repression in the lead up to local elections.

A passenger shows a Venezuelan passport as he waits for news after the cancellation of his flight to Caracas at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota on May 19, 2025. Venezuela's ruling reghime said on that day that it had suspended flights arriving from neighboring Colombia after what it called a cross-border infiltration of "mercenaries" allegedly planning to disrupt upcoming legislative and regional elections on May 25. Raul Arboleda/AFP via Getty Images

Venezuelan Security Minister Diosdado Cabello on May 19 announced the suspension of flights from Colombia due to the possible entry of “mercenaries,” days before the legislative and regional elections scheduled for May 25.

Cabello claimed these “mercenaries” are part of a plan to destabilize the country.