Presidenta (E) Delcy Rodríguez met with Venezuela’s top military brass for the third time in 10 days—a move analysts say signals an escalation in the government’s push to stabilize the country’s most volatile region, where armed groups and illegal mining operations have left at least 12 dead in the past month. The June 10 gathering, confirmed by multiple outlets including Diario Primicia and LaPatilla, focused on operational plans to counter armed activity in Bolívar state’s southern mining belt, where the government has declared a “state of exception” following a surge in violence tied to gold smuggling and paramilitary clashes.
The meeting comes as the government faces mounting pressure to address security failures in Bolívar, where Analítica.com reports that illegal mining—responsible for 80% of Venezuela’s gold exports—has fueled a parallel economy worth an estimated $1.2 billion annually, according to 2025 data from the Economist Intelligence Unit. “This isn’t just about crime; it’s about sovereignty,” said Carlos Romero, a defense analyst at the Insight Crime think tank. “The military’s involvement isn’t new, but the scale of coordination—tying it to the 100-Day Plan—suggests they’re treating this as a national security priority, not just a law-and-order crackdown.”
Why the military is now the government’s first line of defense in Bolívar
The June 10 meeting marked the third high-level gathering between Rodríguez and the Alto Mando Militar in less than two weeks, a frequency that contrasts with the five meetings held in all of 2025, according to a review of government records by miranda.gob.ve. The shift reflects a broader strategy to bypass regional authorities—many of whom are accused of colluding with armed groups—by deploying the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) directly into conflict zones.
Historically, military interventions in Bolívar have yielded mixed results. In 2018, a similar operation Reuters reported led to the arrest of 300 illegal miners but failed to dismantle the broader network. This time, however, the government is pairing military action with economic incentives: a $50 million fund announced last week to “formalize” artisanal miners, a tactic that Luz Mely Reyes, a political scientist at the Universidad Central de Venezuela describes as “a calculated gamble.”
“The military’s role here is twofold: suppress violence in the short term while the government tries to co-opt the economic power of these groups. But the track record shows that without addressing the root causes—hyperinflation, U.S. sanctions, and the lack of state capacity—these operations will only buy time.”
What the 100-Day Plan means for Venezuela’s military—and its opponents
The June 10 meeting was framed as a review of the 100-Day Plan, a government blueprint launched in May to stabilize key sectors, including security. While details remain classified, leaked documents obtained by DiarioVea suggest the military’s focus will be on three pillars: disrupting smuggling routes, reclaiming control of strategic roads (like the Canaima Highway, a key transit point for contraband), and negotiating with local armed factions—some of whom have ties to Colombian dissident groups.
The timing is critical. With U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan gold imports set to tighten further in July, the government’s ability to monetize illegal mining is under threat. “This is a race against the clock,” said Romero of Insight Crime. “If the military can’t deliver results quickly, the economic pressure will force the government to either escalate or negotiate with the very groups it’s trying to dismantle.”
How the military’s involvement changes the calculus for armed groups—and the U.S.
For armed groups operating in Bolívar, the military’s expanded role presents both risks and opportunities. While the FANB’s presence could lead to heightened violence—Insight Crime reports a 30% increase in clashes during past military operations—the government’s offer of economic integration may also split factions. Some groups, like the Ejército de Liberación del Pueblo (ELP), have already signaled willingness to engage in talks, according to Analítica.com sources.
Internationally, the U.S. is watching closely. While Washington has condemned human rights abuses in Bolívar, a successful military-led stabilization could create space for diplomatic engagement. “The Biden administration has been clear: they won’t engage with Maduro unless there’s progress on security,” said a former U.S. State Department official who requested anonymity. “If this operation delivers, it could open the door for backchannel talks—something Maduro’s team has been pushing for.”
The human cost: Who bears the brunt of the crackdown?
Behind the strategic calculations, the human toll is stark. Since April, at least 12 civilians have been killed in Bolívar’s mining zones, according to Provea, a Venezuelan human rights group. Most victims are local miners caught in crossfire between security forces and armed groups. “The government’s narrative frames this as a fight against crime, but the reality is that the people who will suffer are the poorest Venezuelans—those who rely on mining for survival,” said Alberto Barrera, Provea’s executive director.
“We’ve seen this script before. Military operations in Bolívar always start with good intentions and end with more displacement, more violence, and more families left without livelihoods. The question is: who will hold the government accountable when this happens again?”
What happens next: Three scenarios to watch
The next 30 days will be decisive. Here’s what to watch:
- Military success or stalemate: If the FANB can disrupt smuggling routes within 30 days, the government may declare a victory. Failure could trigger a broader military deployment—or a shift to negotiations. Reuters reports that the military has already requested additional troops.
- Economic leverage: The $50 million fund for miners could either buy stability or become a tool for corruption. In 2022, a similar program in Táchira state saw 60% of funds diverted by local officials, according to Transparency International.
- International reactions: The U.S. and EU will likely respond to any civilian casualties with renewed sanctions or diplomatic isolation. Meanwhile, Colombia—whose territory borders Bolívar—may increase pressure to address spillover violence.
The meeting in Caracas was more than a symbolic show of force. It was a high-stakes gamble: can the military deliver where regional authorities have failed? The answer will determine whether Bolívar becomes a model for stabilization—or another cautionary tale of Venezuela’s endless cycle of violence and broken promises.
What do you think: Is this the turning point Bolívar needs, or just another chapter in a failed strategy? Share your take in the comments.
