Venezuela: Colombia detained troops illegally

CARACAS, Venezuela -- A Venezuelan commander contends Colombia wrongly detained four of his soldiers last week along the border separating the South American nations.

National Guard Gen. Orlando Mijares says the troops were navigating the Meta River, which is part of the border, when Colombian soldiers intercepted their boat.

Mijares said Monday that rivers on the frontier are considered international waters under agreements between Venezuela and Colombia, meaning troops from both countries are allowed to use them.

Colombia sent the Venezuelans home over the weekend, saying it wanted to ease worsening tensions. There have been several shootings and slayings the past few weeks along the border.