Brazil will deploy National Public Security Force (FNSP) troops to Roraima state, which borders Venezuela, according to a government decree published on Thursday. The decree authorized an unspecified number of FNSP troops to be sent to Pacaraima, a border town, and Boa Vista, the state capital, located approximately 213 kilometers (132 miles) from the border.

The deployment is intended to address the strong presence of illegal armed groups operating in the region, who are involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining activities on both sides of the Brazil-Venezuela border. The Brazilian government has not specified the exact number of troops to be deployed or the duration of their mission.

Roraima has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the influx of Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic and political instability in their home country. The border region has become a hub for both legal and illegal crossings, straining local resources and creating security concerns. The presence of criminal organizations further complicates the situation, exploiting the porous border for illicit activities.

The border between Brazil and Venezuela stretches for over 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles), much of it through dense rainforest, making it difficult to monitor and control. The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Brazil's then-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strengthened ties in the early 2000s, but relations have become more strained in recent years due to political differences and the Venezuelan migrant crisis.

The FNSP is a national force composed of police officers, firefighters, and other security personnel from across Brazil's states. It is typically deployed in situations where state-level security forces are overwhelmed or require additional support. The deployment to Roraima reflects the Brazilian government's concern over the security situation in the border region and its commitment to combating transnational crime.

The move comes after increased regional tensions, including a recent military action by the United States against Venezuela. The Brazilian government has not directly linked the deployment to the US action, but the timing suggests a heightened awareness of security risks in the region. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the Brazilian government implements its security plan for the border region.