Humanitarian Aid Trucks From Colombia Met With Tear Gas In Venezuela - Reports

Faizan Hashmi Published February 24, 2019 | 12:02 AM

The first four humanitarian aid trucks arrived at the border of Colombia and Venezuela near the Colombian city of Cucuta, but were met with tear gas from the Venezuelan side, the VPI TV broadcaster reported live on the air

MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd February, 2019) The first four humanitarian aid trucks arrived at the border of Colombia and Venezuela near the Colombian city of Cucuta, but were met with tear gas from the Venezuelan side, the VPI tv broadcaster reported live on the air.

The trucks were literally hung by people, when driving through the Colombian part of the bridge, but then the Venezuelan police blocked their passage, and there were some loud claps heard at the scene, according to the media.

The people then ran back from the bridge because of tear gas.

According to the broadcaster, at least two people, a child and an adult, were injured in the incident.

The Venezuelan opposition earlier announced that the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country would begin on Saturday. The country's legitimate president Nicolas Maduro said that he completely closed the land border with Brazil, home to one of hubs for humanitarian aid, and is considering the possibility of closing the border with Colombia, saying the aid deliveries are a ploy to topple his government.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez previously recalled that under international humanitarian law, humanitarian aid is provided in the event of natural disasters, armed conflicts, and war. According to Rodriguez, statements about the humanitarian crisis are designed to justify the invasion of Venezuela, but the people will not allow this.

The situation in crisis-torn Venezuela escalated on January 23 when the opposition leader, Juan Guaido, declared himself interim president, disputing last year's reelection of Maduro. Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and some other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, among other nations, voiced support for Maduro, who, in turn, accused Washington of orchestrating a coup.