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Clashes in Urena this Saturday, February 23, 2019. REUTERS / Andres Martinez Casares

This Saturday, February 23, 2019, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition intends to bring in his country humanitarian aid blocked on the other side of the border, in Colombia. President Maduro, who sees in this assistance a maneuver from the United States to intervene militarily against his regime, has blocked all access between the two countries. His rival Juan Guaido has called his supporters to go en masse to the border, and clashes have already occurred.

Venezuelan soldiers used tear gas this Saturday morning to disperse dozens of people who wanted to cross the Venezuelan-Colombian border at Ureña on the Francisco de Paula Santander bridge in Tachira state. Caracas had announced the day before the closure of this bridge, among others, to prevent the passage of humanitarian aid planned by the opposition, and perceived by the Chavista regime as a Trojan horse.

Also in Ureña, where barricades have been set up by demonstrators, the Bolivarian National Guard responds to the throwing stones with tear gas and rubber bullets. In these clashes, we find volunteers, but also many people wishing to cross to work in Colombia, because they depend on informal trade on the other side, explains our correspondent in Caracas, Benjamin Delille .

The road between the capital of Tachira State, San Cristobal, and the border was cut off by the army. https://t.co/cmVHpd3lkg

Benjamin Delille (@BenjiDelylo) February 23, 2019

The situation, however, seemed very calm in Ureña, reports our special correspondent Marie Normand , while pro-government camps settled and a concert was to resume.

Three Venezuelan soldiers - a lieutenant and two sergeants - reportedly deserted and helped volunteers forcing the Simon Bolivar Bridge gates with two armored vehicles. A fourth soldier reportedly defected on the Santander bridge. According to Mr. Guaido, these " are not deserters, they have only decided to join our fight ". The minister Freddy Bernal denounces him a blow mounted: " a cook " and " an official " would have stolen armored vehicles " with the complicity of Colombia ".

On the other hand, the situation is very calm on the #Tienditas bridge where pro-government camps have been set up. A concert should soon resume here pic.twitter.com/N18GAGO0uM

Marie Normand (@normandmarie) February 23, 2019/1099292243104591875? Ref_src = twsrc% 5Etfw "> February 23, 2019

It has been a month since the opponent Juan Guaido, president of the National Assembly, has proclaimed himself acting president. United States in mind, about fifty countries have recognized its legitimacy.

On Friday, Mr. Guaido defied the judicial order forbidding him to leave the country, claiming that the army had " participated " in the operation.