Venezuela and Argentina Diplomatic Rift Escalates Amid Asylum Seeker Crisis

Venezuela has withdrawn Brazil's representation of Argentina's diplomatic interests, endangering anti-government opponents seeking asylum in the Argentine ambassador's residence. Venezuela alleges the asylum seekers were planning terrorist acts. This development intensifies existing tensions between the nations, fueled by disputes over Venezuela's presidential election results and human rights violations under President Maduro.

Venezuela's government has announced that Brazil will no longer represent Argentina's diplomatic interests within its borders, endangering anti-government opponents currently seeking asylum in Argentina's ambassadorial residence. The decision follows unsubstantiated claims that the asylum seekers were conspiring to commit 'terrorist' acts, including the assassination of President Nicolas Maduro and his vice president.

This move adds fuel to the diplomatic friction between the countries, particularly after Argentina's President Javier Milei accused Maduro of election fraud in July's presidential race. The election results were hotly contested, with opposition claims that they had won by a significant margin, leading to widespread arrests and a brutal crackdown.

In response to Venezuela's decision, Brazil's foreign ministry expressed surprise and affirmed its continued responsibility for the diplomatic mission and the asylum seekers' protection. Meanwhile, Venezuela has intensified pressure, including cutting electricity to the Argentine ambassador's residence and deploying political police in the vicinity.

(With inputs from agencies.)