Venezuela closes consulates in Dutch Caribbean
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela is closing its consulates in the Dutch Caribbean after what authorities said was an attack on a government office.
A Venezuelan man rammed his car through the front of the Venezuelan consulate in Aruba on Friday amid mounting unrest in his home country. There were no reported injuries.
As a preventative measure Foreign Minister Elias Jaua ordered the removal of all diplomatic staff from Aruba as well as Bonaire and Curacao until authorities could guarantee their safety. The three islands are semi-autonomous entities within the kingdom of The Netherlands.
Venezuelans are on edge as violent clashes between student protesters and government forces erupt across the nation. The violence has left at least 8 dead and more than 100 wounded.
