Venezuelan Forces Conduct Operation In City Of Urena On Border With Colombia - Reports

Venezuelan Forces Conduct Operation in City of Urena on Border With Colombia - Reports

MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th February, 2019) Venezuelan security officials are conducting an operation in the city of Urena, which is located on border with Colombia, the tv Venezuela broadcaster reported on Sunday.

The broadcaster published a footage of armored vehicles of the National Guard driving through the streets of the city, where shooting is heard. It also reported that tear gas grenades were used in the operation.

Venezuelan Minister of the Prison Service, Iris Varela, is now in Urena. The VPI TV channel published a video showing Varela standing on the border bridge from the Venezuelan side, surrounded by armed guards and taking photos of people on the Colombian side on her mobile phone.

Attempts to bring in unauthorized aid into Venezuela led on Saturday to clashes between Venezuelan police officers, who tried to prevent aid-filled trucks from crossing the country's border without permission, and protesters, as well as prompted Caracas to sever diplomatic and political relations with neighboring Colombia.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro believes that the aid deliveries are a ploy to topple his government.

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.