Border battles: two Venezuelan military killed and 32 insurgents from Colombian groups arrested

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense informed on Monday that two military personnel were killed and 32 alleged insurgents were arrested after clashes near the border with Colombia against “irregular armed groups” coming from the neighboring country.

The communiqué of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) reported that the events took place in the La Coromoto sector, Rafael Urdaneta parish of the José Antonio Páez municipality, Apure state.

According to the report, “one of the ringleaders known as ‘El Nando’ was neutralized, 32 individuals were captured, six camps were destroyed and weapons, ammunition, explosives, war equipment, vehicles and drugs were seized”.

He also indicated that “several” military personnel were wounded and Major Edward Ramón Corobo Segovia and First Lieutenant Yonathan Miguel Duart were killed.

“Military units with the support of state security agencies continue to carry out search and pursuit operations in the area,” they added.

On Sunday, local media had reported air strikes and fighting in the area. Some of these versions indicated that they were FARC dissident groups that have their camps in Venezuelan territory.

Colombia and Venezuela share a border of more than 2,000 kilometers that for years has been the scene of crimes such as smuggling and drug trafficking, among others.

The government of Iván Duque and the regime of Nicolás Maduro constantly cross accusations about the presence of rebels from the dissident Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN).

Source: infobae