Islam Times - Tear gas, rocks fly as Venezuelan clashes spill over into Brazil border region

Islam Times - Venezuelans ran across the border into Brazil on Sunday, February 24, to escape tear gas coming from the National Guard, as they step up their protest for aid to cross into the country.

On Saturday, February 23, troops loyal to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro blocked convoys of U.S. humanitarian aid from crossing from Colombia to Venezuela, using teargas and rubber bullets and killing two protesters.

Venezuela's embattled President Nicolas Maduro, denies any crisis in his country and has refused to allow international aid into Venezuela despite often-empty supermarket shelves, long lines for government-subsidized food and hospitals lacking in basic supplies and medicines.

Political turmoil and economic collapse including hyperinflation have set Venezuela on a downward spiral.

Some Venezuelan soldiers have defected from Maduro. Speaking to media in Brazil, they are fearful for their families that remain.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, recognized as Venezuela's legitimate leader by dozens of countries, is meeting with regional leaders in Bogota to identify step up pressure on Maduro for elections in Venezuela and for aid to cross.