During Operation “Relámpago del Catatumbo” (Catatumbo Lightning) in Zulia State, military personnel successfully deactivated two camps used by organizations classified as TANCOL (armed terrorists and drug traffickers from Colombia). This information was confirmed by the commander of the 11th Integral Defense Operational Zone, Commander-in-Chief Javier Enrique Magallanes, during the presentation of operational results to the Minister for Defense, Vladimir Padrino López.
The intervention was carried out in Binational Peace Zone No. 1, where specialized rapid reaction units (URRA) carried out reconnaissance and patrol work in a mixed configuration that led to the identification and neutralization of a first camp linked to FARC dissidents. The procedure demonstrated the effectiveness of military intelligence work in border territories.
Among the arsenal seized at the first illegal raid were 86 pellets of processed cocaine, two high-power rifles (Galil and AR-15 models), two fragmentation grenades, and a large amount of 7.62 mm ammunition. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 138 electric detonators, 142 non-electric detonators, satellite communication equipment, and tactical vests, items that demonstrate the operational sophistication of these groups.
General Magallanes warned about the serious impact of these organizations in environmentally sensitive areas, noting that «their illegal presence in protected green areas constitutes a permanent threat to regional biodiversity and surrounding communities.» This environmental impact adds to the security risks they pose to the border population.
At the same time, Venezuelan troops managed to dismantle a second camp operated by the ELN, where important logistical material and weapons were seized. Among the items found were 150 packages of marijuana ready for distribution, four shotguns of different calibers (16mm and 12mm), black powder, primers for reloading cartridges, and more than 200 bullets of various calibers.
Operation Relámpago del Catatumbo is part of the integral territorial control strategy implemented by the Venezuelan government in border regions. These results demonstrate the FANB’s ability to detect and neutralize irregular organizations attempting to establish themselves in national territory.