CARACAS, Venezuela — An ally of President Nicolás Maduro said Wednesday that officials have detained a close relative of opposition leader Juan Guaidó, accusing the uncle of trying to smuggle “dangerous materials” into Venezuela. Guaidó accused Maduro of using his uncle, Juan José Márquez, as a means of threatening him as he returns from an international tour rallying support to oust the socialist leader. “I hold you responsible, usurper Nicolás Maduro, and each one of your minions in Maiquetía for what happens to Juan José Márquez," Guaidó said, calling his uncle an “honest and brave man.”Socialist party chief Diosdado Cabello, a Maduro ally, said in his weekly TV program Wednesday night that Guaidó's uncle had been detained for allegedly carrying small amounts of C-4 explosives and two bullet-proof jackets.

Source: International New York Times February 13, 2020 03:22 UTC