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🇻🇪 Venezuela /Conflict & Security

"Southern Command is in Venezuela": Reactions surge after Niño Guerrero's death in Bolívar

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The death of alleged criminal leader Héctor Guerrero, known as "Niño Guerrero," in Bolívar state has sparked controversy.
  • Critics question the "joint" nature of the operation, suggesting U.S. forces acted independently.
  • U.S. Southern Command stated the operation had Venezuelan support, but analysts like Nicmer Evans claim U.S. forces controlled the operation for territorial and mining interests.

The recent military operation in Venezuela's Bolívar state that resulted in the death of Héctor Guerrero, alias "Niño Guerrero," has ignited strong criticism from political analysts and opposition figures. They are questioning the "joint" nature of the operation and alleging independent action by U.S. forces on Venezuelan soil.

U.S. authorities asserted that the operation was executed with the support of Venezuelan authorities. The U.S. Southern Command even issued a statement on social media thanking the Venezuelan government for its backing. However, this announcement has led various commentators to question the true extent of bilateral cooperation.

The Southern Command is installed in Venezuela, and the action is not joint, it is conducted. The elimination of Niño Guerrero is the show; the underlying objective is territorial control of mining zones by the Southern Command to guarantee the security of future investments.

— Nicmer EvansPolitical scientist Nicmer Evans questioned the nature of the operation that led to the death of alleged criminal leader Niño Guerrero.

Political scientist Nicmer Evans was among those who voiced skepticism. He argued on social media that the security deployment was not a coordinated action between the two nations but rather an operation directly led by U.S. agencies. "The Southern Command is installed in Venezuela, and the action is not joint, it is conducted. The elimination of Niño Guerrero is the show; the underlying objective is territorial control of mining zones by the Southern Command to guarantee the security of future investments," Evans stated.

Another action that makes it clear who is in control. It's no longer about 'extracting' anyone; they collaborate, or kinetic energy will do its job.

— Iván SimonovisCriminalist Iván Simonovis commented on the operation and U.S. influence in Venezuela.

Criminalist Iván Simonovis commented that the action "makes it clear who is in control." Opposition leader Juan Guaidó suggested that the United States is dismantling what he described as the "criminal apparatus" in Venezuela and accused Delcy Rodríguez of betraying former Chavista allies. Guaidó posted on X, "Delcy continues handing over her partners. First Maduro, Saab, and now the Tren de Aragua (among others). Who do you think is next?"

The interim government, through Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed Guerrero Flores's death. The Ministry of Communication and Information stated in a release that the operation received specialized technological support and was developed through cooperation and information exchange mechanisms.

The United States continues the dismantling of the criminal apparatus in Venezuela. And Delcy continues handing over her partners. First Maduro, Saab, and now Tren de Aragua (among others). Who do you think is next?

— Juan GuaidóOpposition leader Juan Guaidó commented on the operation and alleged betrayals within the Venezuelan government.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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