Pompeo demands Maduro not block Venezuela aid

CUCUTA, Colombia (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is demanding that Venezuela’s embattled President Nicolas Maduro stop trying to block humanitarian assistance from entering the country.

Pompeo tweeted Wednesday that the United States and other countries are sending emergency food and medicine to help desperate Venezuelans.

Tensions are high for a third week since opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido announced he rightly assumed the presidency, vowing to oust Maduro and restore Venezuela’s democracy.

The Venezuelan military has barricaded a border bridge with Colombia in an apparent attempt to block the emergency food and medicine.

Pompeo says Venezuela’s military has barricaded the bridge, blocking aid under orders from Maduro.

He says the “Maduro regime must LET THE AID REACH THE STARVING PEOPLE” of Venezuela.