Venezuela steps up security along Colombian border

www.vheadline.com Posted: Friday, March 14, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

The Venezuelan government has ordered the Armed Forces (FAN) to boost its military presence along the 1,400 mile border with Colombia following accusations from some Colombian government representatives that Colombian guerilla groups are using Venezuelan territory for training purposes and to escape the Colombian army.

According to General Warrick Blanco, there are currently around 5,000 soldiers guarding the border, but many more will soon arrive, along with extra equipment and helicopters. The air force will also increase its surveillance activities along the border. 

Blanco also denied recent reports in the Colombian media that claimed there are around 400 guerilla training camps in Venezuela at the moment, branding the reports "irresponsible."

The government has also strongly denied these claims, however, Fernando Villasmil an opposition politician in Zulia State claims to have a copy of a report by the Environment Ministry that confirms the existence of at least one camp. The validity of the allegation has still to be confirmed.