Venezuelan gov't confirms death of seven members of "terrorist cell"

CARACAS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Interior Minister Nestor Reverol confirmed on Tuesday seven members of a "terrorist cell," including its leader Oscar Perez, were killed after a clash with security forces on Monday in Junquito in the northern state of Miranda.

In a statement read on state television VTV, Reverol said the clashes also left two policemen dead and eight more seriously injured.

Reverol explained that the recent interview given by members of the cell to the international press, as well as information obtained by political leaders during peace talks, had helped the police to locate the cell.

He added that two men were also detained on charges of "providing materials and supplies" to the terrorist group.

Perez and his terrorist group stole a police helicopter from an air base in Caracas and used it to shoot on and lob explosives at the court building and the Interior Ministry in late June. Enditem