First truck carrying humanitarian aid enters Venezuela, skirmishes escalate on the Colombian border

[DonViejo]

Source: The Washington Post


Volunteers and opposition activists said they’ll use vans, trucks and human chains if necessary to bring goods across the Colombia-Venezuela border, and large-scale rallies were planned in cities nationwide.

By Dylan Baddour, Anthony Faiola and Mariana Zuñiga February 23 at 12:22 PM

The standoff between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaidó continued to intensify Saturday as the two sides at times clashed over delivery of humanitarian aid into the impoverished country. This is a developing story and will be updated.

Here’s the latest:

● The sound of rapid gunfire echoed near the Simón Bolívar bridge, were Venezuelan authorities also shot volleys of tear gas. Medics near the bridge were treating dozens of people from tear gas inhalation and the stampede in retreat when canisters were fired. Sporadic gun fire could be heard in other zones near the western border. Opposition leaders on the Brazilian border also reported the use of live fire by security forces.

● In a dramatic moment, opposition leader Jose Manuel Olivares led a throng of volunteers half way across the Simón Bolívar bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela, prompting a rank of Venezuelan border guards to line up with riot shields. Through a bullhorn, Olivares addressed the guards. “I tell you my brothers, stand by the constitution and on the right side of history!” he shouted. “I ask you to end this blockade, and let aid in. I bless you, and hope we hug when we pass.” Colombian authorities say aid trucks are moving toward the bridge.

● The first truck with international aid relief has entered Venezuela from the south, via the Brazilian border, according to Miguel Pizarro, coordinator of the opposition’s aid operation. Brazil was the site of a clash between opposition supporters and Venezuelan soldiers on Friday that left two civilians dead.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/guaido-and-supporters-prepare-to-challenge-maduros-blockade-of-aid/2019/02/22/b77eff44-3632-11e9-8375-e3dcf6b68558_story.html

[yaesu]

1. members of the Venezuelan armed forces are defecting on the Simon Bolivar bridge

Maduro should probably step down, concede to the US sponsored overthrow for the sake of the people, let aid flow in, maybe start the country on the path to recovery and a corporate controlled oligarchy, much like the US.

[EX500rider]

2. "concede to the US sponsored overthrow"

How exactly is it "US sponsored"?
The US just recognized the new president as did 40 other countries.

Or should the Venezuelans be happy with Maduro and the great job he has been doing?

[GatoGordo]

4. Who doesn't appreciate 1.7 million percent inflation

last year?

Or a minimum wage of 18 cents per day?

Those ingrates...

[GatoGordo]

3. Spin spin spin

It isn't a US sponsored anything. Unless you want to include the EU, Canada, Australia, and most of Latin America. El Pueblo has had enough of Chavismo's brand of 21st Century Marxism.

But for the sake of argument let's see who supports Maduro!

China
North Korea
Russia
Cuba
Syria
Iran
Turkey
Bolivia
Nicaragua...

[yaesu]

8. The US started its intervention campaign in 2002 & I don't care who supports Maduro

outside his country, i only care about the US, republican corporate thugs, trying to overthrow countries for their resources & cheap labor.

[GatoGordo]

12. Too late!

Venezuela has the cheapest labor on the planet, and the country is SO FUCKED UP that even multinational corporations are flooding out of ChavismoLand.

Sad to say, but even vile Corporate thugs can't make a profit in that Marxist, Utopian paradise with labor cost essentially just above slave wages.

And resources? Venezuela has plenty... which is why Maduro is letting China and Russia rape the Mining Arc in the hopes that the chump change they get in return keeps them in power one more day. What a shame what Chavismo is doing to its formerly pristine national parks.

Next red herring...

[ripcord]

5. It isn't the US blocking aid to starving people

Or ordering the military to fire on civilians.

[yaesu]

6. Did I say it was?

[ripcord]

7. Sorry, meant to reply to the original post.

[yaesu]

9. and the proof is in the pudding

https://www.yachana.org/teaching/resources/interventions.html

[EX500rider]

10. Well who doesn't trust some website I never heard of?

I'll take Chavez's word in this case, thanks.

"Chávez would also state after the coup that there was "little evidence" that the United States orchestrated the plan."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Venezuelan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempt#Allegations_of_US_involvement

[ExtraGriz]

11. I'll take Chavez's word too...as for that website