On October 30, Venezuelan security forces used drones to attack an encampment of fighters from the National Liberation Army, more commonly called the ELN, in the Venezuelan state of Apure near the Colombian border, killing 19 people.
US officials told the New York Times that the attack was carried out with US support, though we’re still assembling some of the details.
The action represents a dramatic change in policy from the Venezuelan government, which has largely tolerated ELN presence in the country, even as it battled other Colombian rebel groups like the 10th Front, a dissident faction of the FARC.
To speak about how this might change dynamics in both Colombia and Venezuela, we’re speaking with Tiziano Breda, Senior Analyst, Latin America & the Caribbean for the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data organization, better known as ACLED.
We love ACLED and use it as a source here at PWS, so this is a special one for us. Have a listen! And after hearing what Mr Breda has to say, tell us what do you think this means for the rebel group moving forward.
You can find ACED’s work on conflict and social protest around the world at their website.
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Hasta pronto, piratas!
