Colombia has militarized its border with Venezuela, deploying 30,000 soldiers following a U.S. operation on January 3 that forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The move comes amid heightened regional instability, with the border city of Cúcuta witnessing a surge in Venezuelan immigrants fleeing uncertainty.
In an interview with CGTN, Daikelis Rodríguez, a Venezuelan housewife and recent immigrant, expressed skepticism about U.S. intentions: "That [the United States] wants to control Venezuela, I think it's in bad taste." Her sentiment reflects widespread anxiety among displaced families, many of whom remain uncertain about the political fallout.
Analysts suggest the troop deployment aims to prevent spillover effects, including potential refugee waves or armed clashes. The Colombian government has yet to clarify the duration of its military presence, though officials emphasize "defensive measures" to stabilize the region. Meanwhile, international observers await responses from regional bodies like UNASUR and the OAS.
