Through a statement, the Bolivarian Government of the Republic of Venezuela responded to the decision of the United States authorities to designate various organizations as «terrorists», including the extinct Tren de Aragua (Aragua Train).
The official publication by the Venezuelan chancellory clarified that the so-called Tren de Aragua was a criminal structure that was dismantled in Venezuela, thanks to the firm and sustained action of the security forces and the Venezuelan justice system.
Following, the communiqué:
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has known the decision of the authorities of the United States of America to designate as “terrorist” various organizations, including the extinct Tren de Aragua, a criminal structure that was dismantled in Venezuela thanks to the firm and sustained action of the security forces and the Venezuelan justice system.
The aforementioned organized crime group was, at the time, instrumentalized by foreign agencies, such as the FBI and DEA, for terrorist and destabilizing purposes against the institutions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Additionally, it was used by sectors of the Venezuelan extreme right wing to generate chaos, destabilization and violence in the country.
These actors, in their desire to attack peace and democratic institutions, resorted to the manipulation of these criminal structures for political purposes, exposing the population to criminal actions that were confronted and eradicated by the Venezuelan State.
Likewise, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reports that, within the framework of the Plan Vuelta a la Patria (Return to the Homeland Plan), it requested the repatriation of a group of compatriots who were unjustly taken to the Guantanamo naval base.
This request has been accepted and the citizens have been transferred to Honduras, from where they will be recovered by Conviasa planes and brought back to meet with their families.
Venezuela expresses its gratitude to President Xiomara Castro and the Honduran leader, former President Manuel Zelaya, for all the collaboration provided for the rescue of these compatriots.
In the event that there is any situation that typifies any form of crime established in our legal system by any of the repatriated, the competent authorities will act in accordance with the laws of the Republic and in strict protection of human rights.
Venezuela will always fight terrorism and criminal organizations of any kind, while denouncing the manipulation of these elements for political purposes and rejecting any attempt to criminalize the nation and its citizens.”
Caracas, February 20, 2025
