Venezuelan forces in deadly shoot-out with ‘terrorist’ group headed by rogue policeman Oscar Perez

Venezuelan special forces on Monday captured five members of a band led by a rebellious police officer who has been on the run since stealing a helicopter and launching grenades at government buildings in the capital last year, officials said.

It wasn’t clear if the renegade officer, Oscar Perez, himself had been killed or captured in a deadly gun battle after more than six months on the lam.

Two officers were killed and five seriously wounded during a shoot-out with Perez and his comrades, the Ministry of Interior Relations said in a statement.

“The members of this terrorist cell who conducted armed resistance were taken down and five criminals captured and detained,” the statement said.

President Nicolas Maduro in a televised address Monday night claimed the group was preparing a car bomb to use against an embassy, without giving details.

Earlier Monday, Perez, 36, posted video clips showing blood dripping across his face as gunshots rang in the background. Perez said officers were firing at the group and wanted to kill him instead of permitting his surrender.

“We’re going to turn ourselves in!” Perez shouted.