In a move that has paralyzed the border with Brazil, Venezuela is carrying out military exercises and mobilizing troops in the “Bolivarian Shield”. With Pacaraima isolated, the Lula government is monitoring the situation, while governors in the North are expressing concern. What could be behind this strategy?
An unusual event caught the attention of the Brazil and its governors earlier this year.
The border between Brazil and Venezuela was the scene of a military movement that raised doubts and fears. Venezuelan troops, armed and in action, closed off the region of Pacaraima (Roraima), putting Brazilian authorities on alert.
While governors in the North demand explanations, the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reinforces surveillance in the region.
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What is behind this movement on the border? Is it just an exercise of Venezuelan sovereignty or is there something more?
Military exercises and border closure
Last Monday, Venezuela began its first military exercise of 2025, dubbed Bolivarian Shield.
According to President Nicolás Maduro, the operation aims to “guarantee peace, sovereignty, freedom and true democracy” in the country.
The Venezuelan regime decided to temporarily close the border with Brazil as part of this strategy.
According to O Globo newspaper, Itamaraty confirmed that the measure was justified as a “security issue”.
The closure is expected to last until Thursday, directly impacting the city of Pacaraima, whose commerce is highly dependent on cross-border movement.
Impacts in Pacaraima
Pacaraima, located in Roraima, is a city with strong economic ties to Venezuela.
With the border closed, local shopkeepers and workers immediately felt the effects of the disruption.
According to traders interviewed by The Globe, the halt in the flow of goods and people has hampered daily sales and transactions, as many Venezuelans cross the border regularly to shop.
In addition to the economic impact, the closure increased tension among residents.
Many fear the military exercises could escalate into something more serious, especially given Venezuela's history of political and economic instability.
Brazilian government maintains vigilant stance
In Brazil, the federal government adopted a precautionary stance.
The Planalto Palace and the Ministry of Defense are monitoring the situation closely., while Army armored vehicles were repositioned in the region to reinforce security.
Despite this, government sources stated that there is no evidence of a direct threat to national territory.
Social media reports suggesting that Venezuelan troops had crossed the border were categorically and officially denied.
Itamaraty reaffirmed that there was no military incursion into Brazilian territory.
According to the investigation of The Globe, the government of Roraima requested more information about what happened, while governors of other states in the North region also expressed concern.
What is the “Bolivarian Shield”?
O Bolivarian Shield is a military operation planned to demonstrate the strength of the Venezuelan Armed Forces.
Nicolás Maduro frequently uses these maneuvers to consolidate domestic support and reinforce his position as a political leader.
Experts consulted by The Globe point out that these exercises can serve as a geopolitical message, not only to Brazil, but to other South American countries and even the United States, which has criticized the Venezuelan regime for years.
Strategy or provocation?
Although the Brazilian government rules out any immediate risks, some analysts believe that the military movement could be interpreted as a veiled provocation.
Relations between Brazil and Venezuela have been marked by ups and downs over the years, and the recent diplomatic revival during the Lula government does not erase the tensions accumulated in the past.
For Maduro's government, military mobilization could also be a way to divert attention from internal problems, such as the economic crisis and social instability that plague the country.
Long-term concerns
Even if the situation normalizes in the coming days, the episode serves as a reminder of the complexity of the relationship between Brazil and Venezuela.
Border security remains a sensitive issue, especially for states like Roraima, which have an economy highly dependent on this bilateral interaction.
governors and local leaders have been pressing the federal government to ensure that episodes like this are treated seriously.
Second The Globe, there are calls for the border to be monitored more strictly in order to avoid even greater economic and social impacts.
The future of the frontier
With the end of the Venezuelan military operation scheduled for Thursday, the expectation is that commerce in Pacaraima will return to normal.
However, the question remains: What do these maneuvers represent for the relationship between the two countries in the long term?
While the Lula government reinforces surveillance and diplomacy, the population of Pacaraima anxiously awaits the full reopening of the border.
But the effects of this episode will still be felt, both in the local economy and in Brazil's foreign policy.
Question to the readers
Do you believe that the “Bolivarian Shield” is just a military exercise or a political strategy by Nicolás Maduro to reaffirm his authority? How should Brazil react?