The minister for internal affairs said Monday that several thousand soldiers and police are involved in the special operation aimed at attacking rising crime in Caracas.
Maj. Gen. Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez said on state television that the offensive is underway in areas of the city where gangs are operating.
He said 32 of those arrested are foreigners and are being investigated for possible links to right-wing paramilitary groups that arose in neighboring Colombia during its five-decade civil conflict.
High crime is a major complaint among Venezuelans unhappy with the government, which is also dealing with over-heated inflation and shortages of basic goods.
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