U.S. aid for Venezuela arrives at Colombian border

CUCUTA, Colombia — Trucks carrying U.S. humanitarian aid destined for Venezuela arrived Thursday at the nation’s border with Colombia, where opposition leaders vowed to bring them into their troubled nation despite objections from embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

Two semi-trailers loaded with boxed emergency food and medicine rolled into Cucuta, across the river from Venezuela.

“The United States is prepositioning relief items — including food, nutritional supplements, hygiene kits and medical supplies — in Colombia so they are available to reach those most in need in Venezuela, as soon as possible,” said a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity

The focus of Venezuela’s political fight now hinges on whether Maduro will allow the aid to enter the country.

Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists and says Venezuela is not a country of beggars. The Venezuelan military barricaded a bridge between the nations with a tanker and two cargo trailers Wednesday in an apparent attempt to block the aid.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who requested the assistance, said it is necessary in a country racked by shortages of basic goods.

Guaido, who has the backing of some 40 countries, including the United States, is seeking to oust Maduro following a 2018 election that many have denounced as a sham. Longtime allies Russia and China and several other countries continue to support Maduro.

About a dozen human rights activists stood at the gated entrance to the Tienditas International Bridge on Colombia’s side, demanding Maduro allow the emergency aid to cross into Venezuela. They waved flags while Colombian police trucks carrying armed officers and other authorities drove by.