06.01.2026 13:33
Following the attacks by the United States on Venezuela and the claim that President Nicolás Maduro was kidnapped, Colombia has gone on alert for a possible refugee crisis. The Colombian government has deployed 30,000 soldiers to the border, established five emergency command centers in border towns to address the wave of migration, and increased security measures against armed groups such as the ELN and Segunda Marquetalia.
After the claims that U.S. attacks on Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro were kidnapped on Saturday, Colombia is preparing for a possible refugee crisis. Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday that 30,000 soldiers have been sent to the Venezuelan border to increase security.
While tensions rise along the border line, it was reported that vehicle and pedestrian traffic was normal on Monday at the Simón Bolívar International Bridge near Cúcuta. However, the increased military presence in the area drew attention. It was noted that Colombian M1117 armored security vehicles were deployed around the bridge.
TRUMP'S THREAT OF "MORE ATTACKS"
The warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that "if Delcy Rodríguez, who is said to have sworn in as the interim leader, does not behave, there will be new attacks" increased the unease in the border region. Following these statements, it was expressed that a "fragile calm" emerged in Colombia.
ALARM AGAINST ARMED GROUPS
Defense Minister Sanchez stated that security forces have been "activated" against possible retaliations from groups such as ELN (National Liberation Army) and Segunda Marquetalia, known as the armed opposition wing of FARC. The Colombian government assesses that these groups, which have been able to operate comfortably on the Venezuelan side for years, could return to Colombia with the fall of Maduro, increasing the risk of conflict along the border.
It is known that armed groups in Colombia have previously used the challenging 2,200-kilometer border line as a route for drug trafficking and desertion from the army. Colombian intelligence has warned that if Maduro is overthrown, some leaders of these groups may lose their security footing in Venezuela.
FIVE EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTERS AT THE BORDER
The Colombian government has established five emergency command centers in border towns against a possible wave of migration that could come from Venezuela after U.S. attacks. Sanchez stated that these centers have been activated to coordinate "humanitarian aid, security, and regional control" activities.
SENT THE MINISTER TO THE REGION
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also sent Minister of Equality and Justice Juan Carlos Florian to Cúcuta to manage humanitarian processes regarding refugee movements. Florian stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that they are implementing a "border plan" against a possible migration crisis and that state institutions are working in coordination according to this scenario.