CARACAS, Venezuela.- The Venezuelan Minister of Interior Relations, Justice and Peace, Nestor Reverol, reported on the neutralization of a terrorist cell that planned violent actions to prevent the elections next May 20.

Reverol pointed out that the operation thwarted the purposes of causing destabilization in the South American country to sabotage the presidential elections and of legislative councils. In addition, extremists planned to place explosive devices in several institutions.

During the operation, terrorist leader Yofran Jesus Quintero was arrested. He has been captured last April 15 in possession of elements used to produce bombs.

The official reported that the detainee, together with Alfonso Jose Mora, had a youth recruitment plan to carry out insurgent activities aimed at causing destabilization.