Caracas, August 11 (RHC)-- The Venezuelan government has ordered the military to hold exercises that aim to prevent any threats from Colombia or any of the paramilitary groups that threaten the border between the two countries. 

The drills come after Colombia's President Ivan Duque strongly criticized President Nicolas Maduro’s administration.  He called on regional countries to take action to help purportedly restore democracy in the Latin American county. 

President Maduro says Colombia poses a serious military threat against Venezuela, not only because of President Duque's aggressive rhetoric but also due to the military support the United States provides for the South American country. 

Maduro has said he will deploy a significant number of troops to protect Venezuela's border from crimes, including drug trafficking.   Officials say the reinforcement of Venezuela's military presence at the border is imperative, while the opposition denounces Venezuela's military action along the border with Colombia.

In the light of Washington's measures, Venezuela demands respect from its U.S.-backed neighbors.  Relations between Colombia and Venezuela have been tense for many years as the location of several U.S. military bases on Colombian soil is regarded as a major threat to Caracas.