Army dislodges armed leaders from southern Venezuela's mining zone, according to NGO

Venezuela's military has launched an operation involving troops and armed helicopters in southern mining zones, aiming to expel armed gang leaders who control parts of the region. The operation, reported by the NGO SOS Orinoco and a local source to EFE news agency, targets areas like Las Brisas and surrounding territories in Bolívar state. This military action comes two months after Venezuela enacted a new mining law designed to open these resource-rich territories to foreign investment. Historically, these areas have been largely under the control of military factions and criminal organizations. SOS Orinoco indicated that the operation is focused on "armed mining leaders," specifically mentioning a figure known as 'Juancho,' who is described as a leader of a mining union controlling parts of Las Claritas and Kilometer 88. Local sources reported hearing gunfire and observing helicopters, causing anxiety among residents. The NGO highlighted that these regions contain "enormous mineral reserves" and have a history of international legal disputes. SOS Orinoco expressed concern that the operation, if solely reliant on military force without a broader strategy, could lead to significant population displacement, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, and result in violence against civilians. The NGO stressed the complexity of mining in Bolívar, calling for strict land-use planning, social support, institutional and environmental restoration, and absolute transparency. SOS Orinoco concluded that stabilizing the southern Orinoco region is impossible without dismantling the "mafia model" that has enabled the expansion of illegal extractive economies and armed groups.