18 killed as Venezuela army takes control of wildcat mine

CIUDAD GUAYANA, Venezuela — At least 18 people were killed at an illegal gold mine in southern Venezuela during clashes with security forces looking to take control of the area, an official said Sunday.

An army officer said the violence broke out Saturday when the army traveled to the Cicapra mine after receiving information that an armed gang was threatening wildcat miners in the remote area. Assault weapons, grenades and light firearms were seized.

Details of the incident were not released, though officials said no soldiers were among those killed.

It was the most violent incident at a mine in Bolivar state since the bodies of 17 wildcat miners were found in a mass grave in 2016 after allegedly being killed by a criminal gang.