Venezuela revokes Brazil’s custody of Argentine embassy housing Maduro opponents

Opponents holed up for months in the Argentine ambassador's residence say the building has been surrounded by security forces

Venezuela's government has said that Brazil can no longer represent Argentina's diplomatic interests in the country, putting several anti-government opponents holed up for months in the Argentine ambassador's residence seeking asylum at risk, as reports emerge that the embassy has been surrounded by security forces.

Venezuela's foreign ministry said in a statement that it had notified Brazil of its decision, which will take effect immediately. It said it was forced to take action based on what it called evidence - which it hasn't shared - that those who sought refuge in Argentina's diplomatic mission were conspiring to carry out terrorist" acts.

Brazil said that it had received the communication with surprise" and Argentina said shortly afterwards that it rejected the unilateral" decision by Venezuela. Both countries urged the government of Nicolas Maduro to respect the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations.