At least 23 people were killed in an airstrike on a camp belonging to Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) in Venezuela’s Apure state, near the Colombian border, according to the human rights group Fundaredes. The attack took place on Friday, and U.S. forces reportedly supported the operation with intelligence and drones, the New York Times reported, citing four U.S. officials. It is not known who controlled the drones. A Venezuelan military source said attack helicopters were also used.
The camp was reportedly a cocaine transfer point. The dead included Colombians and several Mexicans, and some victims were civilians, according to the report. Venezuela’s government has not officially confirmed the attack. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has referred only to investigations into unusual deaths.
The operation appears to signal a shift in Venezuela’s approach to the ELN. During Nicolás Maduro’s presidency, the group was able to operate largely undisturbed on Venezuelan territory. It has been accused of drug trafficking, illegal gold mining and extortion there. Various investigations have estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 ELN fighters are in Venezuela.
The reported strike follows another joint operation by Venezuelan and U.S. security forces earlier this year. In June, Héctor Guerrero Flores, known as “Niño Guerrero” and described as the leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, was killed in Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump announced his elimination at the time.
Colombia has also stepped up its campaign against the ELN. President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered several airstrikes, while his government has announced closer security cooperation with Washington, including a $1 billion aid package. During a visit in September, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ELN could no longer be allowed to operate with impunity in Venezuela.
Sources: FAZ.