19 killed as Venezuelan army attacks Colombian rebel camp

At least 19 people have been killed after Venezuelan military forces launched an attack on a camp belonging to the Colombian rebel group, the National Liberation Army, ELN, in Apure State, western Venezuela.

Military sources said most of the victims were Venezuelan nationals.

The operation, which took place on Friday morning, involved the use of drones and attack helicopters.

Juan Francisco Garcia, coordinator of Fundaredes, a non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights violations in the border region, said nine people were initially confirmed dead. He added that 10 additional bodies were transported to San Fernando the following day.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the operation was supported by the United States intelligence agencies, the CIA and FBI, and carried out on the orders of Washington. Neither the US State Department nor the Venezuelan government had responded to the allegation at the time of reporting.

The 2,200-kilometre border between Venezuela and Colombia has become a base for armed groups involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining and other smuggling activities.

Following the 2016 peace agreement between Colombia’s government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, the ELN emerged as the most powerful rebel organisation in Latin America.

Human rights advocate and military affairs expert Rocio San Miguel said the latest operation suggests a shift in Venezuela’s military approach.

Military sources believe several other rebel camps remain in the border region and have indicated that operations to locate them will continue.

The offensive may also reflect changes in Venezuela’s security policy following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in January.

The administration led by his former associate, Delsy Rodriguez, has received backing from US President Donald Trump.

The development comes as Colombia’s newly elected far-right President, Abelardo de la Espriella, intensifies action against the ELN and other groups involved in drug trafficking.

Colombia is also working alongside more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean countries in a US-led regional initiative aimed at tackling drug trafficking and organised crime.