Tupamaro (Venezuela)

The Tupamaros in Venezuela, also known as the Movimiento Revolucionario Tupamaro (MRT), are a leftist political organization and urban guerrilla group. They emerged in the 1990s from earlier, smaller radical groups and are named after Túpac Amaru II, an indigenous leader who led a rebellion against Spanish rule in Peru in the 18th century.

The Venezuelan Tupamaros are associated with supporting the Bolivarian Revolution and the governments of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. They have been described as a pro-government militia and have been involved in various activities, including community organizing, providing social services in some areas, and engaging in armed confrontations with political opponents.

The group's ideology is rooted in Marxism-Leninism and Bolivarianism. They advocate for socialist policies, greater social equality, and national sovereignty. They view themselves as defenders of the revolution against perceived counter-revolutionary forces.

The Tupamaros have been controversial throughout their history. They have been accused of violence, intimidation, and human rights abuses by opposition groups and human rights organizations. They have also been involved in clashes with security forces. The Venezuelan government has, at times, been criticized for allegedly tolerating or even supporting the group's activities. Their presence and activities contribute to the complex and often volatile political landscape of Venezuela.