Venezuela Welcomes More Than 218 Colombian Displaced People Fleeing Armed Conflict
Checkpoint that provides health services to Colombians displaced by the armed conflict in Catatumbo. Photo: X/ @DarvinsonRojas
January 19, 2025 Hour: 2:28 pm
More than 218 displaced Colombians fleeing the internal conflict between armed groups in that country were received this Friday in the municipality of Jesús María Semprún, Zulia state, located on the border with Catatumbo and Tibú, Venezuela.
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Clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents in Catatumbo, Colombia, have left more than 80 dead and more than 20 wounded, according to the governor of Norte de Santander. The violence has forced thousands of people to move, mainly towards the cities of Cúcuta, Ocaña and Tibú, and towards Venezuela. The army has carried out operations to rescue social leaders persecuted by the ELN during this conflict that began last Thursday.
To assist these people, the Venezuelan government has set up three checkpoints, one of them in the area known as “Mi Ranchito”, under the supervision of the Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Guard.
Among the displaced are Colombians, Colombian-Venezuelans, and many Venezuelans who were on the other side of the border. teleSUR correspondent Madelein García reports that at least three canoes have been seen arriving with people carrying their belongings and their pets.
At the reception point on the Catatumbo River, they receive hydration and food, and then they proceed to a medical attention point. Additionally, the communities have mobilized to bring food to their compatriots from Colombia.
Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil Pinto, reported that in the last 24 hours, there has been an increase in violence in the border municipalities with clashes between armed groups, which has caused a massive exodus of Colombian families who, in search of refuge, have crossed into Venezuelan territory to escape the critical situation facing the region.
Gil emphasized through the social network Telegram Venezuela’s commitment to solidarity with Colombia by offering help to those suffering the consequences of violence in the neighboring country.
In this regard, he asserted that Caracas, “faithful to its commitment of brotherhood and solidarity with the Colombian people and government, will always be willing to provide the humanitarian support needed to the population repeatedly affected by the scourge of war in the brother country.”
The situation at the border remains critical, with an increase in armed confrontations, turning Venezuela into a temporary refuge for those seeking to escape the conflict.
Autor: ACJ
Fuente: telesurtv.net