Colombia-Venezuela: More deadly violence in border region

Event

Three people - two Venezuelans and one Colombian - were killed at an illegal border crossing separating Venezuela and Colombia on November 11. The killings occurred on the Colombian side of the border in the municipality of Villa del Rosario (Norte de Santander department). The victims are believed to have been involved in smuggling goods between the two countries, a common, albeit illegal, activity in the border region. Members of rival smuggling operations are believed to have carried out the killings, although involvement by the Colombian guerrilla group ELN (National Liberation Army) has not been ruled out.

Context

Violence is common in the border region, where various criminal gangs fight for control of lucrative smuggling routes to Venezuela, a country suffering from major shortages of basic goods. The border crossings are also regularly used by thousands of Venezuelans coming to Colombia to legally purchase goods not available in their country. Colombia's Ministry of Defense has promised to increase the security presence along the long border to crack down on illegal crossings and other lawlessness.

Advice

Individuals are advised travel to avoid both sides of the Venezuelan-Colombian border due to these and other security concerns.