Nicolas Maduro ordered the border with Colombia shut on Saturday, issuing a decree to close the last land crossings into Venezuela on the eve of a massive aid delivery planned by his rival, Juan Guaido.
Mr Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said on Friday night that the decision was being made because of “the serious and illegal threats made by Colombia against the peace and security of Venezuela”.
She said the closure would be total, but temporary – without giving a time frame.
Shortly before her announcement the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay announced that they would accompany Mr Guaido – who crossed into Colombia on Friday for Sir Richard Branson’s fundraising concert –…