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