21 Feb 2019 | 06:33 PM UTC
Venezuela/Brazil: Venezuela closes border with Brazil February 21
President Nicolás Maduro closes border with Brazil as of 20:00 (local time) February 21; do not attempt to cross Venezuelan-Brazilian border until further notice
Event
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly ordered the closure of the border with Brazil as of 20:00 (local time) on Thursday, February 21. Reports indicate the border will remain closed indefinitely. Border crossings are, therefore, not guaranteed as a heightened security presence is implemented at points of entry in Venezuela.
Context
Reports suggest the closure precedes a planned delivery of humanitarian aid from Brazil organized by opposition leader Juan Guaidó. 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.
