Venezuela Situation: US Declares War on 'Narco-Terrorism'

[Alma.Innovadora]

That makes sense, but I think it would be unlikely that the government doesn't know about the various criminal groups. The government would also have an interest in not advertising the reality of the drug-smuggling operations by publicizing the fact that many poor Venezuelans either choose or are coerced into working for drug traffickers.

That's exactly how you mention it. The government of course knows everything just think wrong and you will be right, very simple: "as long as no one is watching, nothing has happened." The problem too is not "knowing" it is locating them, especially when there are high positions involved, even mayors, governors and other networks, which do not necessarily have to be from the political opposition.

And if the population of that area, benefits from it, Stockholm syndrome.

Therefore, there are also Venezuelans who are captured and probably even killed by the same state security agencies in some confrontation in the various operations they carry out. I'm sure they're going to want to control that information and even be selective with families now.