Venezuelan armed forces raze two Colombian narco-terrorist camps on its territory as US anti-drug operation deploys in Caribbean region
CARACAS: Venezuela’s armed forces have destroyed two Colombian “narcotrafficking terrorist” camps located on its territory.
General Domingo Hernandez Larez announced the military razed two logistical camps used by invading Tancol groups.
The head of the armed forces’ strategic command said pamphlets of the Colombian ELN guerrilla group were discovered during the operations.
Authorities also seized ammunition, all-terrain vehicles, tactical vests, and fuel in the raids.
The ELN insurgency group controls territory near the Venezuelan border that serves as an important coca source.
This border region also functions as a gateway to the Caribbean coast for cocaine trafficking.
The Venezuelan operations coincide with a massive US military deployment against drug groups in the Caribbean.
Caracas has been showcasing anti-drug efforts in response to the US military presence within striking distance of Venezuela.
Washington describes its deployment as an anti-drug operation, but Caracas fears it could be military action against President Nicolas Maduro.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of being a drug lord and offers a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Maduro denies these allegations and insists no drug cultivation occurs in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan president maintains his country is used against its will as a trafficking route for Colombian cocaine.
Earlier this month, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced the destruction of other “narcoterrorist” camps belonging to the ELN and former FARC fighters. – AFP
