• Trucks carrying aid crossed border but are on Brazilian side of a blockade
  
• Members of the armed forces defect on the Simón Bolívar bridge
• Venezuelan police fire teargas after clashes break out on border
  

5.51pm GMT

Video shows Venezuelan security forces using tear gas against volunteers and opposition politicians who are trying to get the aid shipments across the border from Colombia, on the Simon Bolivar bridge.

1:10 pm. PNB dispara lacrimógenas contra voluntarios y diputados en el Puente Simón Bolívar. #23Feb Vía VPI pic.twitter.com/URqU8xcyoG

5.48pm GMT

Venezuelans near the border with Brazil are holding flags as they await the hoped-for arrival of trucks carrying food and medicine.

1:00 pm| Foto cortesía. Aunque hay fuerte represión en el pueblo, hasta ahora, en la línea fronteriza todo transcurre en paz tras la llegada de un camión que, aseguran, lleva comida y medicinas. #FronteraConBrasil #ayudahumanitaria pic.twitter.com/rFPPJ94J9W

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In an interview with Euronews, Maduro boasted that his political foes had “failed totally” in their quest to topple him. Opponents “could march every single day of their lives” and achieve nothing, Maduro said.

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Donald Trump’s top Latin America adviser has claimed “there is not a single scenario” in which Nicolás Maduro and his “cronies” are able to retain power in Venezuela.

The revolt against Maduro’s regime is entering its fourth week, with the Venezuelan strongman showing no sign of relinquishing power despite a startling and largely unforeseen challenge from a previously obscure opposition leader called Juan Guaidó.

Opposition uses humanitarian shipment to test army’s loyalty but government sees it as prelude to military intervention

Venezuelan troops have barricaded a bridge on the country’s western border with Colombia in an apparent attempt to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid sent by opposition leaders trying to force Nicolás Maduro from power.

On Wednesday at lunchtime, a fuel tanker and two shipping containers blocked the Tienditas international bridge, which connects the two countries and has become a staging ground for the planned relief effort. Members of Venezuela’s Bolivarian national guard could also be seen at the bridge.