Venezuela/Colombia: Venezuela partially closes border with Colombia Feb. 22 /update 1

Event

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced on the night (local time) of Friday, February 22, that the border with Colombia would be temporarily and partially closed. Rodriguez said that the entire border along Tachira state has been sealed due to “serious and illegal threats” from the Colombian government. The announcement came hours after opposition leader Juan Guaidó attended a concert in the Colombian town of Cucuta, which borders Tachira state, to provide humanitarian aid to people in Venezuela.

Tensions have also increased along Venezuela’s border with Brazil, which was closed on Thursday, February 21. On Friday, two Brazilian citizens were reportedly killed while attempted to prevent Venezuelan soldiers from sealing unofficial crossing points. As of the morning of Saturday, February 23, it is unclear how long the Brazilian and Colombian borders will remain closed. A heightened security presence is expected at all points of entry into 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.