2023-09-20 15:50:00
This Wednesday, September 20, in the early hours of the morning, a contingent of approximately 11,000 troops from different State security forces mobilized to try to take control of the Tocorón prison, located in the state of Aragua, Venezuela.
According to videos published on social networks, the massive police and military deployment is seen in the areas near Tocorón, a prison known as one of the three most dangerous detention centers in Venezuela and considered the niche of the criminal gang the “Tren de Aragua”, which has had repercussions in several Latin American countries.
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#World | Fire reported in the Tocorón prison homes in #Aragua, #Venezuela, following the strong clashes between inmates and the Armed Forces in Operation. Some 11,000 soldiers have tried to take over the prison to ‘hit’ the ‘Aragua Train’. pic.twitter.com/xCxVzby8Ao
— Vanguardia (@vanguardiacom)
September 20, 2023
A statement from the Ministry of the Interior explains that this operation is part of the Great Quadrants of Peace Mission, an initiative of the Bolivarian Government to combat crime in Venezuela. 11,000 members of the citizen security bodies and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) participated in the operation.
In the middle of the operation, tanks and armored vehicles entered the Tocorón prison complex. From inside the prison, some inmates managed to send videos in which a worrying message might be heard: “Look, the greens want to kill us.”
It should be noted that Tocorón was the prison where the criminal gang known as the “Aragua Train” originated. Initially, this organization extorted inmates, but later a hierarchical structure led by a “pran” (prisoner born killer) developed that expanded both inside and outside the prison.
The situation worsened when El “Tren de Aragua” used the Venezuelan migration crisis as a tool to extend its operations throughout several South American countries. The criminal organization established networks and took control of unauthorized border crossings through tactics of coercion, blackmail and corruption. In addition, they engaged in illicit activities such as arms trafficking, human trafficking, kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Tocoron Edo Prison. Aragua, at this time they are reporting fire in the homes of the prison population following strong clashes since early morning where the FANB in Operation “Cacique Guaicaipuro” tries to take control of the prison. pic.twitter.com/ABk6NZJNcb
— Jesus Medina (@jesusmedinae)
September 20, 2023
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#happening #Tocorón #prison #Aragua #Venezuela
