Statement by the Press Secretary on the Venezuelan Military’s Use of Force to Close the Border to Aid

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 22, 2019

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Venezuelan Military’s Use of Force to Close the Border to Aid   The United States strongly condemns the Venezuelan military’s use of force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers on Venezuela’s border with Brazil.  Press reports indicate that the military has killed two indigenous people and has injured many other people attempting to keep the border open to humanitarian aid.  Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido has requested immediate humanitarian assistance from the international community for the people of his country, while the Maduro regime has given orders to close the borders and repress those who seek to bring aid into the country.  Egregious violation of human rights by Maduro and those who are following his orders will not go unpunished.  The United States strongly urges the Venezuelan military to uphold its constitutional duty to protect the citizens of Venezuela.  The Venezuelan military must allow humanitarian aid to peacefully enter the country.  The world is watching.