"At the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, which spans the Tachira River separating Colombia and Venezuela near the border city of Cucuta, vehicle and foot traffic flowed normally on Monday despite an increased military presence, which included three parked Colombian M1117 armoured security vehicles. But with United States President Donald Trump threatening more attacks if newly sworn-in interim leader Delcy Rodriguez does not behave, an uneasy calm has settled over the border region, and Colombia is preparing for the worst."
"Sanchez said security forces had been activated to prevent any retaliation from armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and Segunda Marquetalia, or Second Marquetalia a dissident faction of the leftist group FARC, that have operated with virtual impunity in Venezuela for years. Colombia's armed groups have historically taken advantage of the rugged 1,367-mile (2,200km) border with Venezuela to traffic drugs and seek refuge from the Colombian army."
Colombia faces a possible refugee surge after US strikes in Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, with concerns that more than a million people could attempt to cross the border. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez ordered 30,000 soldiers to the frontier and emergency measures were enacted to support refugees. Five emergency command posts were established in border cities. Increased military presence at the Simon Bolivar International Bridge contrasts with normal traffic flow. Authorities worry that armed groups such as the ELN and Segunda Marquetalia could retaliate or return from Venezuela as their safe haven erodes.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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