ORANJESTAD - The Dutch Defense will also assist the coast guard in Aruba in guarding the border at sea. The island has asked for this because of the number of migrants making the crossing to Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.
The Ministry of Defense has already assisted Curaçao with coastal surveillance. For some time now, military officers have been conducting additional coastal observations there to intercept migrants in often unseaworthy boats. This task has been extended at the request of the Curaçao government and is now also extended to Aruba. The military's observations also have a preventive effect against arms or drug smuggling, according to Defense.
On Sunday evening, six people were arrested, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, who tried to enter Aruba illegally. These are undocumented Venezuelans.