25 Feb 2019 | 12:30 AM UTC
Venezuela: Clashes break out along Colombian and Brazilian borders Feb. 23 /update 3
Venezuelan security forces clash with demonstrators along the Colombian and Brazilian borders on February 23; around 300 people injured
Event
Fighting broke out between Venezuelan security forces and demonstrators along the Colombian and Brazilian borders throughout Saturday, February 23. Border guards fired tear gas and rubber bullets at people attempting to bring humanitarian aid from Colombia into the towns of Ureña and San Antonio (Táchira state). Supporters of President Nicolás Maduro also set two aid trucks on fire as they attempted to cross into Ureña from Cúcuta (Colombia). According to Colombian officials, at least 285 people were injured in the clashes. Human rights activist also reported that at least two people were killed and another 31 were wounded at the Santa Elena de Uairen crossing between Venezuela and Brazil. Further violence along the Colombian and Brazilian borders is possible in the near term as groups continue to attempt to deliver aid into Venezuela. A heightened security presence is expected at all points of entry into Venezuela.
Context
The Venezuelan government indefinitely closed the Brazilian border on February 21 and parts of the Colombian border on February 22 after opposition leader Juan Guaidó announced plans to delivery humanitarian aid into the country. President Maduro announced on February 23 that Venezuela would cut ties diplomatic ties with Colombia. Venezuelan officials also closed the maritime border with Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire on February 19 to prevent deliveries of humanitarian aid.
The ongoing crisis was spurred by Maduro's inauguration to a second term as president on January 10 following last year's contested election, prompting the National Assembly to declare a national emergency. At least 50 foreign governments, including the US, Canada, and Brazil, among others, have since recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim head of state. Guaidó has reportedly coordinated several deliveries of humanitarian aid from neighboring states, which have been blocked by the Maduro regime.
Advice
Travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to refrain from attempting to cross the Venezuelan-Brazilian border until the situation normalizes.
