Caracas, October 31 (RHC-Xinhua), -- The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency on Friday in four municipalities in the western state of Tachira, as part of "actions to eradicate criminal acts" along the Colombian border.

The decision was prompted by the "extraordinary circumstances affecting socio-economic order and social peace" and concerns the jurisdiction of Panamericano, Lobatera, Ayacucho and Garcia de Hevia, says the government's official gazette.

The decree authorizes operations by special security forces while prohibiting public gatherings and the carrying of weapons.

The Venezuela-Colombia border crisis erupted on Aug. 19 when three Venezuelan army officers were wounded by suspected paramilitary gunmen operating in Colombia.