They reinforce border security with Colombia after attacks in Cúcuta

The Governor of the State of Táchira, Freddy Bernal, announced that Venezuela has reinforced security throughout the 164 kilometers of border with Colombia, in response to the recent violent attacks that occurred in the city of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander.

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Bernal expressed concern about the situation in the Colombian department, qualifying it as an «unfortunate state of war.»

The incidents included attacks on police facilities and the toll of Villa del Rosario, occurred around 12:20 in the morning of February 20.

Given this, Bernal lamented the confrontation between various armed groups in Norte de Santander and reiterated Venezuela’s desire for peace in the region.

In addition, he recalled that Nicolás Maduro has offered his support to contribute to peace in the border area. «We are very concerned with the unfortunate state of war in which the north of Santander is. (…) We regret that various armed groups are confronted in northern Santander. Always from Venezuela we long for peace, ”said Bernal.

In response to these events, the mayor of Cúcuta, Jorge Acevedo, decreed a 48 -hour curfew in the city.

This measure extends from 7:00 pm on February 20, until 6:00 am on February 22

This situation is part of a context of growing tension in the Catatumbo region, where clashes between the ELN and the FARC dissidents have been recorded Since the beginning of January, resulting in 63 deaths and more than 50,000 displaced.

The authorities of both countries continue to monitor the situation and take measures to guarantee security in the border area.