The Venezuelan Ministry of Internal Affairs, Justice and Peace reported on the death of the 17 year old Lander Armas Neomar Alejandro on Wednesday in the municipality of Chacao, Miranda state, resulting from the handling of a mortar during an opposition protest against the Venezuelan government.
The young man who was known as “Neon” by his friends, died after a handheld mortar exploded during operation. He was transferred to the Avila Clinic.
Officials of the Body of Scientific Criminal Investivations (CICPC) are at the site investigating.
In opposition protests that have turned violent, protesters have been found utilizing various weapons, some of which are homemade.
Last week, Venezuelan special operation forces carrying out a search operation seized weapons including an AT4 anti-tank bazooka, C4 explosives, gas masks, grenades, helmets, mortars, military uniforms and bulletproof vests in the Bello Campo neighborhood in Caracas.
Over 70 people have been killed in the ongoing protests and clashes between Venezuela's right-wing opposition and government forces.
1.Lander Armas Neomar Alejandro (17) acaba de fallecer producto de una explosión de arma de fabricación artesanal (MORTERO) que manipulaba pic.twitter.com/pzCb1WOkP1
— MPPRIJP (@MIJPVenezuela) June 7, 2017
Foto del joven Neomar Lander. Parece cargar un explosivo de fabricación artesanal que se detona con morteros. pic.twitter.com/kuSkXTmWMY
— Érika Ortega Sanoja (@ErikaOSanoja) June 8, 2017
Esta foto atribuida a Neomar Lander, tomada por @philipick, demostraría que joven que portaba un mortero sería el mismo que murió #7junio pic.twitter.com/Q1B00O1Ak1
— Érika Ortega Sanoja (@ErikaOSanoja) June 8, 2017