Despite closed international crossing, Brazil delivers humanitarian aid to Venezuela

World Today

People stream in prior to the Venezuela Aid Live concert on the Colombian side of Tienditas International Bridge on the outskirts of Cucuta, Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. Venezuela’s power struggle is set to convert into a battle of the bands Friday when musicians demanding Nicolas Maduro allow in humanitarian aid and those supporting the embattled leader’s refusal sing in rival concerts being held at both sides of a border bridge where tons of donated food and medicine are being stored. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Brazilian authorities are moving humanitarian aid to the country’s northern border with Venezuela even though the international crossing has been closed.

Brazil’s air force Friday sent a plane with food and medicine to Boa Vista, the main city in the northern state of Roraima.

Authorities will then truck the goods three hours north to Pacaraima, the city that borders Venezuela.

On Thursday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro closed the border crossing.

Humanitarian aid to Venezuela has become a flashpoint in the struggle between Maduro and Juan Guaido, who has been recognized by over 50 nations, including Brazil, as the country’s president.

Brazilian authorities have said they will not engage militarily with Venezuela over the aid. Still, it’s unclear how it might be delivered since the border is closed.

Story by The Associated Press