The attack, which took place early Friday in a rural, forested area of Apure, initially left nine people dead, according to FundaRedes, a non-governmental organisation monitoring human rights violations in Venezuela’s border states.
However, Juan Francisco Garcia, a coordinator with the organisation, told AFP on Sunday that another 10 bodies had been transported to the state capital, San Fernando, the day after the operation.
The military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Venezuelan forces used drones and attack helicopters to strike the camp, catching the guerrillas by surprise.
The source also alleged that the operation received support from United States intelligence agencies, claiming that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisted the mission.
The US State Department and Venezuelan government had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the allegation.
Most Victims Said to Be Venezuelan Nationals
According to the military source, most of those killed in the attack were Venezuelan nationals, while the bodies were initially transported to Puerto Paez, a town near the Colombian border.
A resident of the town told AFP that some of the bodies were severely damaged before they were moved to San Fernando.
FundaRedes also shared video footage showing bodies on the ground, damaged trees and the remains of what appeared to be a campsite.
Venezuela Plans Further Operations Along Border
The attack comes amid longstanding security challenges along the 2,200-kilometre border between Venezuela and Colombia, where armed groups have been linked to drug trafficking, illegal mining and smuggling.
Among the groups operating in the region are the ELN and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which rejected or remained outside the 2016 peace agreement between the FARC and the Colombian government.
The ELN has remained one of the most powerful guerrilla organisations in Latin America since the FARC signed the peace accord.
The military source said Venezuelan forces planned to continue searching the area, suggesting that additional rebel camps could be targeted.
Human rights advocate and military affairs expert Rocio San Miguel described the operation as a possible indication of a shift in the Venezuelan military’s approach to armed groups operating near the border.
Operation Follows Political Changes in Venezuela
The military action also comes amid changes in Venezuela’s political and security landscape following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in January.
The country has since been led by Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s deputy and has received public support from US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Colombia has intensified its campaign against the ELN and drug trafficking groups under its newly elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella.
Colombia has also joined more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean countries in a United States-led regional initiative targeting drug trafficking and organised crime.
