Colombian rebel groups long ago set up shop in Venezuela, seeking sanctuary beyond the reach of the US-back Colombian military. The Chavista regime welcomed them as allies against an “imperialist” common foe. But now some of them have become unwelcome, and extremely dangerous, guests.
Investigation Chapters
Inviting War into Venezuela
The photos showed five dead bodies laid out in the dirt, each with a gun or grenade close to an outstretched hand. The official report stated these were guerrillas who had been killed in a firefight with security forces.
Apure’s Proxy War
The fighting that erupted in the Venezuelan state of Apure in early 2021 was on the surface a classic guerrilla conflict.
The Venezuelan Military: Outfought and Outmatched
On April 23, 2021, two Venezuelan military helicopters landed near the town of La Victoria in the border state of Apure filled with soldiers dispatched to hunt dissident Colombian guerrillas. The hunters quickly became prey.
The Fallout from Apure and the Enemy Within
The Colombian guerrillas have won a battle against the Venezuelan military in the state of Apure. But they will never win the war. Nevertheless, the fighting made one thing clear: the Venezuelan state cannot control the criminal forces it has so long tolerated.
