Venezuela Offers Colombia Border Security Cooperation

Venezuela said it is willing to coordinate with Colombia on border security, share information and take necessary actions through existing bilateral protocols. The offer comes as Colombia seeks help locating an army officer kidnapped near the border by the ELN guerrilla group. Venezuela also reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational crime and cooperating while respecting each country’s sovereignty. Separately, Venezuela’s armed forces announced deployments in Apure, including patrols and an operation in several municipalities, following the kidnapping.