Venezuela: Possible army massacre in Bolívar state

Event

Clashes broke out in the southeastern state of Bolívar on Saturday, February 10, between soldiers and individuals suspected of carrying out illegal mining operations. The violence, which some are calling a massacre, occurred at the so-called Cicapra mine in Guasipati and left at least 18 civilians dead, all of whom were shot. This information was reported by local media, opposition parliamentarians, and human rights groups. However, according to military sources, the fighting was the result of an attack carried out against the soldiers by an armed group; the government has made no official statement.

Context

Illegal mining has made a resurgence in recent years amid Venezuela’s severe economic crisis, particularly in resource-rich areas of Bolívar where deposits of gold, diamonds, and coltan (tantalite) are found. Two years ago, President Nicolás Maduro declared the region where Saturday’s violence occurred a “strategic priority,” promising to expel all illegal miners. A similar incident occurred in 2016 in Tumeremo, also located in Bolívar state, leaving 17 miners dead.

Besides leading to incidents of violence, the open mining pits have led to a resurgence in mosquito-borne diseases, including a major malaria epidemic, as rain water that pools in the pits provides fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Advice

Due to major security concerns, a number of government advise against travel to much or all of the country, including Bolívar state.