Thousands of displaced Venezuelans have crossed into Colombia to escape the conflict in recent weeks. (Photo: EFE) Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Monday reported eight soldiers had died fighting a group of “terrorists” on the Colombian border. But after three weeks of clashes and 17 deaths, “the region is returning to normal.” ”So far there have been nine casualties from these terrorist groups and, unfortunately, we have suffered the loss of eight colleagues from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB),” Padrino said regarding clashes that began last 21 March in the Colombian-bordering state of Apure. The Venezuelan forces had sustained four casualties up to last Sunday, it was reported. Information on these matters has been very scarce and it remains to be clear who the group Padrino referred to as terrorists really are, although Venezuelan authorities have released pictures of seized uniforms bearing the logos and acronyms of the former FARC guerrillas and their allegiance has reportedly been corroborated but other unofficial sources.