Colombia Refutes Claims US Troops Moving On Its Territory - Defense Ministry

BOGOTA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd February, 2019) The Colombian Defense Ministry told Sputnik no US forces were moving across the country ahead of the humanitarian aid deliveries to Venezuela, which are expected to begin on Saturday.

"The Colombian government maintains normal, working relationship of cooperation and help with the United States. But there is no movement of US forces in Colombia," the ministry said.

US military aircraft have been used to bring humanitarian cargo for Venezuela to the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where aid is being stockpiled.

Moreover, the US Defense Department has told Sputnik that it was providing logistical support for the efforts to collect aid for Venezuela.

However, the US military's involvement in the operation has raised concerns of Venezuela and Russia, among other states, which suggested that Washington might be arming the Venezuelan opposition and preparing a government overthrow under the guise of a humanitarian campaign.

The United States has said that the US humanitarian operations were peaceful. However, speaking on the settlement of the crisis in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has said he was open to various options, including military intervention.

The humanitarian aid deliveries were coordinated by the Venezuelan opposition. The government, however, believes that they may justify foreign intervention and opposes the campaign.