Venezuela reports new clashes on Colombian border

CARACAS, Venezuela Venezuela’s Armed Forces reported new clashes with a Colombian irregular group on the border with Bogota. The clashes resulted in a “significant number” of Colombian causalities, and “some” Venezuelan casualties," said the forces in a statement on Monday. "Some of our troops died, whose bodies are being identified through the corresponding autopsy. Likewise, others were injured and receive due medical attention," said the statement. The Armed Forces reported that during the clashes they were able to capture several members of these groups “who are providing valuable information for future actions." The report also highlights the “destruction of temporary facilities” that these groups “intended to use for their criminal activities.” The report adds that these “terrorist organizations” are not acting alone, but with the support of the “powerful financing structure of the Colombian oligarchy.” "It is imperative to remember that these criminal and terrorist organizations act with the support of the powerful financing structure of the Colombian oligarchy, which has the nefarious purpose of exporting its paramilitary drug model to our country, especially along the border axis,” the Venezuelan Armed Forces said. This is the first statement that the Venezuelan Armed Forces has issued since April 5 about this conflict, which began after the Venezuelan army launched an operation known as Operation Bolivar Shield. According to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, the operation’s mission is to protect Venezuela’s border from “Colombia's abandonment,” which causes armed groups to occupy the area illegally for drug trafficking purposes. This conflict is specifically taking place in a “unpopulated” area near La Victoria, which is bordering village in the Venezuelan state of Apure.