The border crossing with Venezuela reopens in a controlled manner, pedestrian traffic advances normally and there is a strong presence of authorities.
Courtesy National Army of Colombia.
On this morning Sunday, January 4confirmed the reopening of the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela by the sector of Umbrellain the jurisdiction of the municipality of Maicao. The traffic began in a controlled manner, initially with pedestrian crossingunder the supervision of the National Policehe Army and Colombia Migrationguaranteeing conditions of security and order.
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He Secretary of the Government of Maicao, Alain Andriolyexplained that the authorization of the crossing occurred after coordination meetings with local and national authorities. “Pedestrian passage has been allowed since morning. Yesterday, by directive of the mayor, all the secretaries met and subsequently a meeting was held with all the entities involved to evaluate this situation,” he said.
Andrioly indicated that, although they are waiting for National Government guidelinesthe panorama in the area is total normality. “At this moment there is total tranquility, total calm. The border is militarized and we have a Unified Command Post (PMU) active, doing permanent monitoring,” he stated.
Regarding the flow of people, the official pointed out that there has not been a massive influx and what is expected gradual return of citizens who traveled to Venezuela during the festivities. “Those who spent the end of the year in the neighboring country are expected to return to Colombia, but so far everything is going normally and without problems,” he said.
Regarding security measures, the secretary assured that the main focus is preventive. “Until now it is about controlling from a security point of view, that there are no altercations or irregular situations. What does concern us is a eventual massive migratory flowbecause we are not prepared for that scenario and we depend on what happens in Venezuela,” he warned.
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Andrioly confirmed that the National Army maintains a presence in the sector and that Police reinforced the force. “The closure was a unilateral decision by the neighboring country, but the passage has already been reopened after meetings with Colombia Migration. Today relations are normal and there are no problems of any kind,” he indicated.
Finally, the secretary called on citizens to act with caution. “We ask our compatriots to be cautious and travel to Venezuela only if necessary. The road is protected and there is sufficient security. From the municipal administration we are attentive to any situation,” he concluded, also warning about the economic impact that a new closure could generate, given that Maicao depends largely on trade with the Zulia state.
