Venezuela Roundup: Illegal migrant shoots NYPD officers, monumental rock art discovery, election observers

Illegal Venezuelan migrant allegedly shoots NYPD officers

Illegal Venezuelan migrant Bernardo Raul Castro Mata allegedly shot two NYPD officers at "point-blank range" during a struggle. He was held without bail on charges including attempted murder and possession of a weapon. The officers were investigating a robbery pattern when they confronted Castro Mata, who then allegedly shot them before being apprehended, as reported by Fox News. Authorities believe Castro Mata is a member of the "bloodthirsty" Tren de Aragua gang and was found in possession of a firearm connected to gunpoint robberies. After the shooting, police conducted a crackdown on illegal vehicles in the area.

Monumental rock art discovery along Colombia-Venezuela river

British and Colombian archaeologists discovered monumental rock art along the Colombia-Venezuela Orinoco River, one of the longest rivers in South America. The engravings, some over 40 meters long, are believed to mark the territorial boundaries of prehistoric indigenous peoples, The City Paper Bogota reports. The researchers used advanced drone photography to map the extensive rock art, uncovering several new sites that are at least 2,000 years old. The engravings, including a 42-metre-long snake, served to mark territory and assert dominance over the landscape, according to reports. The researchers plan to deepen their collaboration with local communities and authorities to develop sustainable preservation strategies.

84 illegal mining structures destroyed

The Venezuelan military destroyed 84 illegal mining structures as part of Operation Caura 2024 in the southern part of the country. The structures served as clandestine lodgings and logistical depots for environmental depredation, according to Latin American news agency TeleSur. In a separate operation, the military also seized fuel and dismantled illegal mining equipment in Caura National Park, the largest park in the country. The military continues to conduct operations to control illegal activities in national parks, forest reserves, and watersheds, TeleSur reports.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/venezuelan-military-destroys-84-illegal-mining-structures/

Brazil urges Venezuela to allow election observers

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has urged Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro to allow international election observers for upcoming presidential elections. This comes after Venezuela withdrew an invitation for EU observers, accusing them of interventionist practices. Lula also expressed support for the Barbados agreement and discussed lifting international sanctions on Venezuela, Agencia Brasil reports. The July elections will see President Maduro run for a third term.

50 years of bilateral ties with China celebrated

Venezuela and China celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed their strategic partnership following the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto in Beijing on June 5. The visit aimed to deepen cooperation in various areas including trade, technology, and space exploration, according to CGTN. Venezuela expressed support for China's one-China principle and its right to national sovereignty. China pledged to broaden cooperation to contribute to Venezuela's industrialisation and economic diversification