The National Bolivarian Armed Forces reiterate that since last March 21 of the currents, in full exercise of sovereignty, has been executing the operation «Bolivarian Shield 2021» in Apure state, against Colombian armed irregular groups; Terrorist organizations dedicated to drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion, among other criminal activities, which have declared war on the Venezuelan State, the people and our institution.
These factions use murderous and cowardly methods such as anti-personnel mines and remote detonated explosive charges, which caused the death of military personnel and caused serious injuries to others, some of them with mutilations of members and incapacitation of permanent nature. Likewise, eight military professionals were captured in combat actions, from whom, on May 9, we received a faith (proof) of life.
In response to this situation, we denounced before the international community, before the multilateral organizations and human rights organizations, the infamous kidnapping of these soldiers, and we demand their captors who illegally keep them in captivity, the preservation of their lives and physical integrity. We have established the contacts conducive to their early liberation and the Chancellory of the Republic carried out coordinations with the International Committee of the Red Cross, so that it serves as a liaison in the delivery of our brothers combatants.
We express unconditional solidarity and unrestricted support to the relatives of such brave colleagues, which in a gallant and stoic manner continue to honor the Sacred Oath to defend the Homeland; We will not skimp any effort and we will exhaust all the possible ways to recover them healthy and safe.
It is important to remember, that this criminal structure uses the inaction and acquiescence of the Colombian government to develop its transnational crimes. In this regard, some countries have already expressed their deep concern due to regional instability that can generate armed violence deployed by these criminal bands at the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
In strict fulfillment of the guidelines taught by the citizen Nicolás Maduro Moros, constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, our Chief Commander, we ratified the unwavering commitment to guarantee the territorial and sovereignty integrity of the nation, which is not negotiable, strongly reiterating that we will not tolerate armed groups outside the law, in any space of the national geography.
Venezuela is to be respected!
Liberate the patriots!
Chávez lives… The homeland continues!
Independence and Socialist Homeland… We shall live and conquer!
Independence or nothing!
Always Loyal… Never traitors!
The Sun of Venezuela is born in the Esequibo!
Caracas, May 15, 2021
Vladimir Padrino López.
General in Chief
