Indigenous Leader Kidnapped by Guerrillas Found Murdered in Venezuela

Julio Rodríguez, the indigenous chief of the Jivi Ekunay people, has been confirmed murdered in Venezuela's Bolívar state, according to the NGO Provea. Rodríguez had been missing since August 2, having been forcibly disappeared and subsequently killed by suspected members of dissident FARC groups.

Provea reported on X that Rodríguez, referred to as the captain of his people, was kidnapped by alleged FARC dissidents. The organization detailed that following Rodríguez's disappearance, a group of indigenous leaders and youths who went searching for him were ambushed. "The affected parties reported being attacked by drones flying over the area, dropping explosive devices," Provea stated, adding that one individual was seriously injured.

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Confirm the murder of the indigenous captain of the Jivi Ekunay people, Julio Rodríguez, who had been forcibly disappeared for 8 days, after being kidnapped by alleged members of the FARC dissidents, in the state of Bolívar.

These incidents have been reported to the Minister for Indigenous Peoples, Clara Vidal. Provea has demanded a thorough investigation and timely sanctions for those responsible for Rodríguez's death. The organization also called for urgent measures to protect the territories of indigenous peoples.

According to Provea's records, over 48 indigenous individuals have been killed since 2010 by state security forces and non-state actors, including suspected FARC and ELN dissidents. These killings have occurred in various conflicts within indigenous territories that are either under military control or contested by criminal governance.

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The affected parties reported being attacked by drones that flew over the zone, dropping explosive devices.