Venezuelan military blocks bridge to keep humanitarian aid out


Venezuelan troops have set up barricades on a bridge by the country's western border with Colombia, in an attempt to block humanitarian aid.
The aid is on its way from Colombia, with a convoy headed for the Tienditas International Bridge, which connects the two countries. There are tankers and containers now blocking the bridge, so traffic can't get through. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó said this is a "test" for the military, with troops having to decide if they will let the aid through or follow orders to keep it out.
In late January, Guaidó swore himself in as president, saying that because last year's election was a sham, Nicolas Maduro wasn't the actual winner. The United States and several other countries recognize Guaidó as president, and have donated millions in aid. Because of hyperinflation, people are going without food, medicine, and basic necessities, but Maduro has said Venezuelans aren't "beggars," and refuses to let humanitarian aid into the country.
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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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