Venezuela plans to station 15,000 troops along its border with Colombia.
Venezuela will deploy 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia following a US increase in the bounty on President Nicolas Maduro.
The country’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, announced Monday that forces will be stationed in the western states of Zulia and Táchira to “ensure peace” and tackle criminal groups. The operation will involve aviation, drones, and riverine units.
The deployment comes amid rising tensions after the US doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million and increased its military presence in the Caribbean. Cabello urged Colombian authorities to act against criminals in the border region, warning that Venezuela would take full responsibility if necessary.
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López denied US claims that Venezuelan forces are collaborating with Colombian guerrillas to traffic cocaine, countering DEA accusations. The move occurs as Washington continues to target Maduro, whom it accuses of leading the so-called “Cartel of the Suns,” a claim rejected by Maduro and Cabello.
Meanwhile, France has bolstered its Caribbean surveillance by sending additional ships to its overseas territory of Guadeloupe in support of US efforts.
