Venezuela Temporarily Closes Border with Brazil After US Attack

Protests Erupt in Brazil Following American Military Strike

Venezuela has temporarily closed its border with Brazil after a morning attack by the United States on Caracas, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The crossing point between the Brazilian city of Pacaraima and Santa Elena de Uairen in Venezuela was closed for approximately five hours, preventing Venezuelan citizens from entering Brazil, according to a Brazilian military official.

The official noted that there is no formal protocol from Venezuela regarding entry and exit criteria, but Brazilian citizens are allowed to leave the country, while Venezuelans face restrictions. Additionally, the head of Brazil's Federal Police announced the temporary closure of the border, and the governor of Roraima stated that the border has been reopened after this brief closure.

The Brazilian government has asserted that it is monitoring the border and has deployed military personnel to the region to enhance security. The Minister of Defense indicated that there is no abnormal activity at the Brazil-Venezuela border, which will continue to be watched closely.

Venezuelans represent the largest foreign population in Brazil, with 77,563 immigrants in the state of Roraima. In total, approximately 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in the last decade, with more than 6 million resettled in other Latin American countries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the actions of the United States, deeming them "unacceptable." Lula expressed that the airstrikes on Venezuelan territory and the capture of the president represent a severe affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and set a highly dangerous precedent for the entire international community.

Analysts fear that the removal of Maduro could plunge Venezuela into chaos, triggering a new wave of migration similar to that of 2019, following a failed attempt to oust him. The resilience of Chavism in Venezuela will depend on several factors and the continuation of Washington's military campaign.