Venezuelan National Guard Dispersing Volunteers On Border With Colombia - Reports

The Venezuelan National Guard resorted on Saturday to tear gas to disperse volunteers on the border with Colombia, who tried to receive humanitarian aid from the neighboring country, local media reported

MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd February, 2019) The Venezuelan National Guard resorted on Saturday to tear gas to disperse volunteers on the border with Colombia, who tried to receive humanitarian aid from the neighboring country, local media reported.

According to the tv Venezuela broadcaster, a grenade with tear gas slightly injured one of the volunteers. The footage also shows grenades explosions and smoke.

The Venezuelan opposition earlier announced that the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country would begin on Saturday. The country's 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.

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.