Venezuela's Maduro to close borders with Brazil

By Hasan Esen

CARACAS, Venezuela (AA) - President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday gave orders to close the border with Brazil in a bid to "protect the people".

He made the announcement in a live broadcast saying that similar measures may apply to the country's border with Colombia.

A row over humanitarian aid continues in the South American nation as the government refuses to let U.S. supplies into the country, saying it will lead to military intervention by Washington.

The opposition argues that aid should get into the country since 300,000 people urgently need food and medicine while 2 million people are facing health risks.

Self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido announced his followers on Saturday will try to force through convoys of U.S. aid from Colombia into Venezuela.

Guaido declared himself acting president on Jan. 23 until new elections were held, and was recognized by Australia, Canada, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica and the U.S. The European Parliament took a step in the same direction.

Turkey, Russia, Iran, Cuba, China and Bolivia reiterate support for Maduro, who vowed to cut all diplomatic and political ties with the U.S. following the diplomatic spat.

U.S. President Donald Trump pointed to military intervention as a possible of a number of choices he could use to help solve the crisis.