Update (1437 EST): The transfer of inmates, confiscated weapons, and ammunition has begun.

As this publication reported earlier today, the Venezuelan government launched a massive military operation to take back control of the criminal syndicate-run Torocon Prison. According to the Venezuelan Interior Ministry, that military operation has succeed and the government now controls the prison. The announcement reads below:

At least one Venezuelan National Guard soldier was killed ruing the assault on the prison. During the assault, police and military forces used fragmentation grenades to clear rooms. As of this publication the number of inmate casualties ins unclear.

#20Sep #Aragua
Heridos, incendio y disparos en #Tocorón

Dos garitas de vigilancia habrían sido derribadas con lanzagranadas, indicó el periodista @luisborjasc, según reportes preliminares sobre la Operación de Liberación Cacique Guaicaipuro pic.twitter.com/bs7qHeootU

— Reporte Ya (@ReporteYa) September 20, 2023

The Venezuelan government is now beginning its second phase of the operation dubbed “Cacique Guaicaipuro” which will focus the “search, pursuit, and capture” of gang members that either escaped the prison or are still hiding in the complex.

#Urgente Gobierno Bolivariano informa al pueblo venezolano que inicia la segunda fase de la Operación de Liberación Cacique Guaicaipuro correspondiente al proceso de búsqueda, persecución y captura. #20Sep #LiberaciónDeTocorón pic.twitter.com/dXPotkWjh4

— Alfred Nazareth (@luchaalmada) September 20, 2023