Venezuela Detains Rebel Guardsmen, Sparking Protests in Caracas
- Tear gas fired at protesting neighbors near downtown Caracas
- Defense Ministry says small group was detained early Monday
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A number of rebel national guardsmen were detained in Caracas on Monday after stealing weapons, prompting spontaneous protests in support of the officers in a working class neighborhood of the Venezuelan capital.
The Venezuelan Defense Ministry said that a group of rebel officers stole weapons from several outposts before converging on the Cotiza national guard base, where they were detained and are being interrogated. Videos on social media, which haven’t been independently confirmed, showed armed soldiers lining up and declaring themselves in rebellion.