Colombia prepares for refugee influx after US strikes on Venezuela

Al JazeeraCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jim GladeJanuary 6, 2026 at 09:50 AM

AI Summary

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Following US strikes in Venezuela and the abduction of President Maduro on January 6, 2026, Colombia is preparing for a potential refugee crisis. Defense Minister Sanchez announced the deployment of 30,000 soldiers to the Venezuelan border to bolster security and enacted emergency measures to support refugees. The Colombian government established five emergency command posts in border cities to coordinate humanitarian aid, security, and territorial control. These measures are in response to the potential influx of over a million Venezuelan refugees and concerns about armed groups, like the ELN and Segunda Marquetalia, seeking refuge in Colombia after operating in Venezuela. President Petro dispatched Minister Florian to Cucuta to address humanitarian concerns.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Gustavo Petro 40% Juan Carlos Florian 40% Delcy Rodriguez 40% Cucuta ×340% National Liberation Army 50% Donald Trump 50% Segunda Marquetalia 50% Pedro Sanchez ×360% Nicolás Maduro ×260% United States ×370% Venezuela ×1090% Colombia ×990%

Keywords

refugee crisis 90% colombia 80% venezuela 80% us strikes 70% border security 70% armed groups 60% humanitarian aid 60% political instability 50% emergency measures 50%