Venezuelan army allegedly bombs ELN camp near Colombian border: Report

By Maryam Ashalem de Andres

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least 19 people have been killed in an alleged Venezuelan military bombing of a camp belonging to the National Liberation Army (ELN) near the Colombian border, Colombian radio station Blu Radio reported Saturday.

The alleged attack took place Friday in Buena Vista del Meta, Apure state, near the border, according to former Venezuelan lawmaker Juan Francisco Garcia Escalona.

Garcia Escalona, who coordinates the Fundaredes human rights organization in Apure, said he had received testimonies about a military operation in the area.

Nine bodies were reportedly transferred to San Fernando de Apure, the state capital, for forensic examinations, according to preliminary accounts.

Another 10 bodies reportedly remained at the site, while an undetermined number of wounded people were said to have crossed into Colombian territory.

Residents of Puerto Paez also provided names and identification details reportedly found at the site, Blu Radio reported. The victims' identities have not been officially confirmed.

Venezuelan human rights activist and military affairs expert Rocio San Miguel also referred to reports of an alleged bombing of an ELN camp in Buena Vista del Meta in a post on US social media platform X.

The reported operation comes amid accounts of armed clashes in parts of Venezuela's border region in recent weeks.

Garcia Escalona said residents and Indigenous communities had reported fighting in Los Pijiguaos, in western Bolivar state, and near Paso del Burro, along the Meta-Orinoco river border area.

He linked the reported clashes to disputes over control of areas used for mineral extraction, including bauxite and coltan.

Venezuela's interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, had not issued a statement on the alleged bombing, Blu Radio reported.

Mariam Ashalem De Andres