Venezuela says it has deployed 17,000 troops along its border with Colombia, which was closed on Monday for the first time as part of an anti-smuggling operation.
Up to 40% of goods Venezuela subsidises for its domestic market are smuggled to Colombia, where they are sold at much higher prices, the authorities say.
The border was closed on Monday night, and will be each night for a month.
via BBC News – Venezuela ‘anti-smuggling’ troops deployed near Colombia.
