Venezuelan Workers Defend State-Run Factory from Violent Attack

Venezuelan workers of the state-run milk company Lacteos Los Andes reportedly joined forces with the Bolivarian National Guard to fend off an attack from a violent opposition group.

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According to social media reports, opposition groups armed with Molotov cocktails, mortars and firearms descended upon the factory, located in the Cabudare in the state of Lara, Thursday.

Reports indicate that the group tried to set a gas tank on fire but were pushed back by the Bolivarian National Guard and factory workers who came out to defend the center.

According to reports, the opposition assailants belong to the same group responsible for the attack in Villa Roca which killed a motorcyclist two months earlier. In this instance, the group tied wire which cut the throat of the motorcyclist as he drove past.

"Civilians and military united to neutralize the attack on Lacteos Los Andes."

"The terrorists of Villa Roca once again besiege the factory."

"The Bolivarian National Guard is faced with the shots of terrorists. They want to set the gas tank alight."

Lacteos Los Andes was nationalized by former President Hugo Chavez in 2008 and provides up to 50 percent of Venezuela’s milk products.

According to the company’s mission statement, Lacteos Los Andes is “recognized for meeting the food needs of the people, especially those who are most vulnerable and have little resources.”

The attack against the state-run company is the latest in a stream of right-wing violence against state institutions.