Western Hemisphere
Barinas state Garrison Chief Vladimir Padrino reported on Thursday on the detention there of at least 100 illegal Colombians travelling in three minibuses.

General Padrino, the local military chief, told state-run TV channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV) that the arrest took place in a police checkpoint, Efe quoted.

Padrino added that the case had been submitted to the Attorney General Office, which would be responsible for the enquiry.

The military said that he could not speculate on the origin and destination of the illegal citizens, or the purpose of their visit to Venezuela.

Queried by reporters, he answered that he could not rule out a connection between this case and the detention early this week of another four illegal armed Colombians.

"Some days ago, we found a group of illegal people carrying arms, and they were taken to the Attorney General Office. We cannot play down any connection in this regard," Padrino said.