“Sovereignty and peace”: Venezuela launches military operation along its border with Colombia

Venezuela’s armed forces have launched a military operation dubbed “Sovereignty and Peace” in the border state of Apure, aiming to strengthen control over the country’s national borders and combat illegal armed groups.

The operation was announced by the Strategic Operational Command of Venezuela’s National Bolivarian Armed Forces (CEOFANB) in a post on its official X account.

According to the statement, the operation is being carried out in accordance with directives issued by the country’s executive branch. Military units have been deployed to border areas of Apure, a state that shares an extensive land and river border with Colombia’s Arauca and Vichada departments.

The military command emphasized that the increased military presence is intended to reinforce government control over the territory, safeguard national sovereignty, and counter illegal armed groups. Particular attention is being given to strengthening operational bases in the border zone.

The statement also noted that the area’s challenging terrain, numerous rivers, and dense, largely inaccessible jungle provide favorable conditions for criminal groups to operate. These groups reportedly use border areas for unauthorized crossings, the establishment of drug laboratories and transshipment hubs, and the construction of clandestine airstrips.