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Venezuela Closes Border and Suspends Flights With Colombia Before Maduro's Inauguration

Jan 10, 2025, 11:23 AM

Venezuela has closed its border with Colombia from Friday, January 10, until Monday, January 13, citing an alleged 'international conspiracy' to disrupt peace during President Nicolás Maduro's inauguration. The announcement was made by Freddy Bernal, governor of Táchira state, via social media. The closure affects several border crossings, including the Francisco de Paula Santander bridge and the Paraguachón area between Guajira (Venezuela) and Maicao (Colombia), where containers have been placed to block passage. Flights between Colombia and Venezuela have also been suspended until January 13. Colombian authorities were informed through diplomatic channels of the unilateral closure but stated that their borders would remain open. The closure comes amid reports of opposition leader Edmundo González's intention to return to Venezuela to attempt to prevent Maduro's inauguration.