Government Nixed Plot To Use Force To Get Aid Into Venezuela

Some 200 soldiers who defected from the Maduro government attempted to escort humanitarian aid to Venezuela late last month before being stopped by the Colombian government, reports Bloomberg News.

The ex-soldiers, led by retired Venezuelan Gen. Cliver Alcala, planned to drive back the Venezuelan national guardsmen positioned near the Colombian border, clearing the way for the convoy to deliver the much-needed aid, according to unnamed U.S. and Latin American sources.

The Colombian government opposed the idea, fearing violent clashes at a highly public event that it had pledged would remain peaceful. A government spokesperson declined to comment.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered the closure of several border crossings last month in an attempt to stop the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Opposition leaders and some international figures have called for military intervention as the standoff drags on and conditions in Venezuela continue to deteriorate.

Alcala acknowledged the plan and said he understood why the Colombians halted it.