Padrino López: The security of Venezuela and Colombia is a common cause

Published at: 01/09/2025 10:45 AM

The sectoral vice-president of Defense and Sovereignty, Vladimir Padrino López, reaffirmed the commitment of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) in the frontal fight against drug trafficking on the border between Venezuela and Colombia.

During a review, Padrino López highlighted the deployment of the Western Comprehensive Defense Strategic Region (REDI), in coordination with the Strategic Operational Command, as part of a comprehensive offensive to ensure border security.

“The security of Venezuela and Colombia is a common cause; two sister countries that must protect their borders from transnational crime,” he said.

Padrino López expressed his solidarity with the Colombian soldiers attacked in his territory by criminal groups with drones, calling these acts “atrocious crimes” that must be combated firmly.

“Our solidarity with the Colombian Public Forces, with their humble soldiers who have lost their lives doing their duty. The peace of Colombia and the peace of Venezuela are a single cause,” he emphasized.

In this context, he reiterated that the FANB acts under its constitutional mandate to neutralize any armed threat in Venezuelan territory.

“Operation Iron Hand is under way. We have intensified the search for devices for terrorism in ports, airports, highways, neighborhoods and factories. We will not leave room for those who intend to alter the lives of our border towns,” he said.

Padrino López thanked the leadership of the REDI Commanders deployed in the west of the country, operating by air, river, lake and sea.

“The courageous and pristine action of our Bolivarian National Armed Forces is a guarantee of peace, development and sovereignty. We have sworn allegiance to our country, and if necessary, we have even lost our lives for it,” he concluded.

MAZO DRAFTING