Venezuela says eight of its soldiers were captured in fighting with Colombian groups | Scientist

Padrino did not specify when or where the soldiers were captured, but he said that the armed forces had received evidence that they were alive on May 9.

A Venezuelan nongovernmental organization, Fundaredes, reported the arrests earlier in the week, but Venezuelan officials had not previously commented on the incident.

“We have established the necessary contacts for their immediate release, and the foreign minister of the republic is coordinating with the International Committee of the Red Cross to act as a mediator for the release of our brothers in arms,” ​​Padrino said. Who read a note on the state TV channel.

At least 12 Venezuelan soldiers have been killed since March in battles in Apure against Colombian armed groups, which the government has not identified.