At least 19 people were reportedly killed in a bombing at an ELN camp in Venezuela’s Apure state, according to human rights group Fundaredes. The reported death toll and details of the operation have not been independently confirmed. (Foto: Instagram)
At least 19 people were killed in a bombing of a camp belonging to Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) in Venezuela’s Apure state, according to human rights organization Fundaredes. The strike was attributed to the Venezuelan Army, but the reported death toll and details of the operation have not been independently confirmed.
The attack reportedly took place Friday, Oct. 30, in Buena Vista del Meta, near the border with Colombia. As of the report, the Venezuelan government had not issued an official response. Fundaredes called on authorities to explain the operation and protect people living in the area.
In a series of posts on X, Fundaredes called for a transparent investigation, identification of those killed and notification of their families. The organization also said communities along the border face threats and territorial control by armed groups. It said drones were used in the bombing and reportedly struck aircraft associated with the ELN that had been concealed in vegetation.
Fundaredes representatives said Army helicopters began flying over the area on Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents said the site had contained an ELN drug-storage center. Organizations that monitor human rights violations and organized crime in Latin America say the ELN uses parts of Venezuela as a refuge for fighters and as a route for travel between the two countries. The group is also involved in drug trafficking, smuggling and illegal mining, according to those organizations.
