Brazil Deploys National Guard Along Border with Venezuela

Brazil Deploys National Guard Troops to Northern Border Amid Tensions with Venezuela

The Brazilian government has authorized the deployment of national guard troops to northern Roraima state, which shares a border with Venezuela. The move comes after the US bombed Venezuela and abducted its president, Nicolas Maduro.

According to an official decree published on Thursday, FNSP troops will be sent to Pacaraima and Boa Vista, approximately 213km from the border. The decree states that the FNSP will support public security agencies and operate in ways “essential to the preservation of public order and the safety of people and property”.

Brazil has temporarily closed its border with Venezuela near Pacaraima since Sunday. Venezuelan media reported on Wednesday that the country is reinforcing its military presence on the border, while multiple armed groups, including colectivos and Brazilian gangs, operate in the area.

Gimena Sanchez, Andes director for the Washington Office on Latin America, stated that Brazil’s deployment of guard troops to the border is an “appropriate move” due to the violence caused by Colombian rebel groups active in Venezuela. However, she noted that there has not been a mass displacement of Venezuelans.

Brazil has expressed criticism towards the US attacks, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stating on social media that the US had crossed an “unacceptable line”. Sanchez stated that the US is currently more concerned with Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia.

Source: Al Jazeera