Clashes break out at Venezuelan border

International Desk: Deadly clashes have erupted in border towns across Venezuela as opposition activists try to bring aid into the country across government blockades.

Troops have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters. There have been reports of some security force members abandoning their posts and defecting.

President Nicolás Maduro has partially closed the country's borders to try to stop the aid being delivered.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó is behind the foreign aid's collection.

He declared himself interim president last month and vowed that the deliveries, which include food and medicine, would enter Venezuela on Saturday with the help of volunteers.

On social media he praised his supporters for their "unprecedented heroism" in trying to help get the supplies in against the wishes of the government.

Meanwhile, President Maduro has said he has broken off diplomatic relations with Colombia over its role in events.

At least two people are reported to have been shot dead in Saturday's clashes near the country's border with Brazil. Another two were killed close by on Friday.

Amnesty International has described the use of firearms against protesters as a serious human rights violation, and a crime under international law.

At about 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT) Colombia's government estimated the number of injured at border crossings to be about 300.

Journalists at the scene have reported severe injuries, including several protesters losing eyes.

Agencies


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