A Venezuelan soldier has been killed and three injured in clashes with the Colombian Army after crossing into Colombia illegally, according to unofficial sources reported by RCN Radio.
Members of the Venezuelan armed guard are said to have crossed the border in pursuit of Colombian smugglers, leading to a confrontation with the 30th Brigade of the Colombian Army in the rural area of Tibu, Norte de Santander department.
The incident allegedly happened near a school and local residents were forced to take cover. Some community members fear retribution from the Venezuelan army and have asked the government to increase the army presence in the area.
Neither government has acknowledged the incident and initial reports have come solely from people living in the area.
The confrontation came just hours after Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos met with Venezuelan Premier Hugo Chavez and Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss the Summit of the Americas.
