BOGOTA: Colombian autho­rities are investigating a possible plot involving Venezuelans to assassinate President Ivan Duque, a top official said on Saturday night.

Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes said Colombia’s intelligence services had been hearing chatter about alleged plans to kill the conservative Duque. He said the arrest in recent days of three Venezuelans in possession of assault weapons had heightened authorities’ concern.

Blu Radio reported that the Venezuelans arrested in the northern Caribbean cities of Valledupar and Barranquilla this month had in their possession an assault rifle with a telescopic scope as well as a 9-mm mini-Uzi, ammunition and stun grenade.

Citing sources it didn’t identify, Blu said any alleged plot would have likely had the support of armed Colombian leftist rebels or drug-trafficking organisations and would have been timed to coincide with the start of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s second term next month.

There was no immediate reaction from Venezuela’s government.

Holmes appealed to Colombians to share any information that they have that could affect the president’s safety. He also thanked the cooperation of unidentified foreign intelligence agencies for helping protect Duque.

Duque, who took office in August, has been leading a diplomatic effort in Latin America to isolate Venezuela’s socialist government as Maduro looks to cement his hold on power amid a devastating economic crisis that has seen millions of Ven­ezuelans flee to escape widespread foo­d shortages and hyperinflation.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2018