Vulnerable to mines, snipers and ambushes, 16 soldiers have died this year in around 30 attacks in Norte de Santander. Nineteen members of illegal armed groups have also died and dozens of soldiers, rebels and gang members been injured, according to Defense Ministry figures.... Reuters showed in a recent investigation how the rebel National Liberation Army( ELN) functions as a de facto local government and leading employer in some Venezuelan towns.... Murders in Norte de Santander rose to 576