Venezuela has extended a partial border shutdown with Colombia to tackle the trafficking of subsidized goods. Local residents are exempt from the measure that President Nicolas Maduro says will make advances against crime, criminals, paramilitary forces and smugglers. Some have criticized Maduro’s move, but he has pointed out that Venezuela provides a home for over five million Colombians who have fled war and economic hardship in past decades. Uruguay and Argentina have offered to mediate in the border crisis.
