Venezuela accuses Colombia of sea invasion
The Venezuelan government has said it foiled an attempted sea incursion by "terrorist mercenaries" from Colombia.
In a televised address, Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said the group arrived on speedboats at the coastal state of La Guaira early on Sunday.
President Nicolás Maduro often accuses adversaries of wanting to overthrow him with the backing of the united states.
Venezuela's opposition dismissed the allegations, saying the apparent incursion was staged.
Colombia described the government's assertion as unfounded. Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with Colombia last year.
In the Venezuelan government's statement, Mr Reverol said the group had landed in the town of Macuto, about 21 miles (34km) north of the capital Caracas.
"They tried to handle an invasion by sea, a group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia, so that you can commit terrorist acts in the united states, murdering leaders of the revolutionary government," he said.
Diosdado Cabello, leader of the ruling Socialist Party, said eight persons were killed and two were detained, while Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said a speedboat had sunk and military vessels were searching the coast for survivors.
But Juan Guaidó, who's recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, accused President Maduro's administration of trying to distract persons from recent outbreaks of violence - including a deadly prison riot on Friday, and a gang battle in Caracas on Saturday night.
"The regime is wanting to divert attention with a supposed incident plagued with inconsistencies, doubts and contradictions," his press team said.
Mr Guaidó gets the backing of Washington, which includes vowed to use tough sanctions to force President Maduro and the Socialist Party out of office.
