Suspect arrested in killing of Venezuelan councilman Anyel Castillo

Police in Venezuela's Zulia state have arrested a suspect in the killing of ruling party councilman Anyel Castillo. The politician was shot and killed Wednesday night at the Mansos Pool & Bar establishment in Casigua, El Cubo, a town in the Jesús María Semprún municipality.

Castillo was reportedly watching a World Cup soccer match between Colombia and Uzbekistan with community members when the attack occurred. According to police reports, 21-year-old Miguel Alexander Colmenares arrived on a motorcycle with an accomplice. Colmenares allegedly entered the bar, located Castillo, and opened fire, inflicting fatal wounds. He then attempted to flee but was detained by patrons until authorities arrived.

“

the detainee would be the direct responsible for the shots that ended Castillo's life

The Zulia State Bolivarian Police (Cpbez) stated that their swift response enabled them to control the situation and take the alleged perpetrator into custody. The homicide took place in a border zone with Colombia's Norte de Santander department, an area where residents and specialized organizations have long reported the presence of irregular armed groups.

Recent reports from Insight Crime have highlighted the consolidation of these irregular structures in the territory. The organization noted that continuous operations against ELN guerrilla labs in Colombia have pushed the group to establish production centers in remote Venezuelan areas, such as Jesús María Semprún, where they reportedly act as para-state authorities. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the responsibilities of all individuals involved and to clarify the motive behind the assassination of the ruling party councilman.

“

the continuous operations against ELN laboratories in Colombia have pushed the guerrilla to establish production centers in remote areas of Venezuela, such as the border town of Jesús María Semprún, where they act as para-state authorities.