U.S. aid for Venezuela is blocked at border
CÚCUTA, Colombia — Trucks carrying U.S. humanitarian aid destined for Venezuela arrived Thursday at the Colombian border, where opposition leaders vowed to bring them into their troubled nation despite objections from embattled President Nicolás Maduro.
Two semitrailers loaded with boxed emergency food and medicine rolled into the Colombian border city of Cúcuta, just 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,” said a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
Maduro denies a humanitarian crisis exists and said Venezuela is not a country of beggars. The Venezuelan military has barricaded a bridge between the two nations with a tanker and two cargo trailers in an apparent attempt to block the aid.
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó requested the international assistance, and said it is necessary in a country racked by shortages of basic goods.
Guaidó, who has the backing of some 40 countries, including the U.S., is seeking to oust Maduro following a 2018 election many denounced as a sham. Longtime allies Russia and China and several other countries still support Maduro.
About a dozen human rights activists stood at the gated entrance to the Tienditas International Bridge on Colombia’s side, waving flags and holding signs demanding Maduro allow the aid to cross into Venezuela.