US will send ship to Colombia to alleviate exodus of Venezuelans

Colombian President Iván Duque and US Defense Secretary James Mattis agreed on Friday, August 17, to send a US hospital ship on a "humanitarian mission" to help the Colombian authorities alleviate the crisis generated by the arrival of Venezuelans to the country.

"It is an absolutely humanitarian mission. We're not going to send soldiers, we're going to send doctors, "Mattis said when he was on his official plane flying back to Washington.

The Pentagon chief took it for granted that the operation will be carried out despite the fact that details of this operation have not yet been polished, as the type of vessel will reach Colombian coasts or the scheduled date.

"We are going to go where the need is greatest and the countries of the region say they need help," he said.

Mattis said that the Colombian authorities were "enthusiastic" with the proposal and, according to him, "not only are they in agreement in principle", but also, "they have provided details on how best to transport the crew."

Since starting his trip last Sunday, the head of the Pentagon has moved to Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires and, finally, Bogotá.