The Bolivarian National Armed Forces and the Bolivarian National Police, after a confrontation last Saturday, in which four alleged paramilitaries were killed, among those killed they assure was the head of the most drug-trafficking wing of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Olivio Iván Merchán Gómez, alias “crazy Ivan”, who returned to arms and was in Venezuela.
According to unofficial information, one of the men who fell was “crazy Ivan” along with part of his team, the one who faced the Venezuelan soldiers, in the La Cochinera sector, in the vicinity of the La Paturra farm, Angostura del Orinoco municipality , Bolivar state.
Apparently there were about 10 armed subjects, and in the exchange of shots four men, presumably of Colombian nationality, who were wearing military uniforms, long and short weapons, were neutralized.
At the ceasefire, 2 AR-15 assault rifles were collected; 1 Tavor X95 assault rifle cal. 5.56 mm; 4 Rifle magazines with 38 cartridges 5.56 mm; 1 Glock 9mm pistol with a magazine and 07 cartridges; 1 Tauros brand revolver; 3 cell phones (disabled by the users themselves); 3 military tactical vests with visible USA branding; and a gray Toyota Hilux pickup, in addition to the bodies.
Cuatro sujetos, presuntamente de nacionalidad colombiana, y uniformados militarmente cayeron abatidos durante un enfrentamiento en Venezuela
The procedure was immediately informed to the Higher Command, Military Prosecutor’s Office and DGCIM, therefore the perimeter for the removal of the bodies and the collection of evidence was secured.
It was learned that the State security organs maintain intelligence and constant patrolling in the area, in addition to increasing the units to reinforce the security posts, to neutralize any attack by these Structured Groups of Organized Crime (Gedo).
