First truck carrying humanitarian aid enters Venezuela, skirmishes escalate on the Colombian border [View all]

[DonViejo]

Source: The Washington Post


Volunteers and opposition activists said they’ll use vans, trucks and human chains if necessary to bring goods across the Colombia-Venezuela border, and large-scale rallies were planned in cities nationwide.

By Dylan Baddour, Anthony Faiola and Mariana Zuñiga February 23 at 12:22 PM

The standoff between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó continued to intensify Saturday as the two sides at times clashed over delivery of humanitarian aid into the impoverished country. This is a developing story and will be updated.

Here’s the latest:

● The sound of rapid gunfire echoed near the Simón Bolívar bridge, were Venezuelan authorities also shot volleys of tear gas. Medics near the bridge were treating dozens of people from tear gas inhalation and the stampede in retreat when canisters were fired. Sporadic gun fire could be heard in other zones near the western border. Opposition leaders on the Brazilian border also reported the use of live fire by security forces.

● In a dramatic moment, opposition leader Jose Manuel Olivares led a throng of volunteers half way across the Simón Bolívar bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela, prompting a rank of Venezuelan border guards to line up with riot shields. Through a bullhorn, Olivares addressed the guards. “I tell you my brothers, stand by the constitution and on the right side of history!” he shouted. “I ask you to end this blockade, and let aid in. I bless you, and hope we hug when we pass.” Colombian authorities say aid trucks are moving toward the bridge.

● The first truck with international aid relief has entered Venezuela from the south, via the Brazilian border, according to Miguel Pizarro, coordinator of the opposition’s aid operation. Brazil was the site of a clash between opposition supporters and Venezuelan soldiers on Friday that left two civilians dead.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/guaido-and-supporters-prepare-to-challenge-maduros-blockade-of-aid/2019/02/22/b77eff44-3632-11e9-8375-e3dcf6b68558_story.html