The Venezuelan government yesterday blocked all ports in the country for expiring ships. No ships are expected to leave ports until 24 February, according to a statement issued by the armed forces of the AFP news agency in Caracas.
The document cites security reasons for the action. With the blockade, which applies „for all ports“, the government seems to want to prevent the US aid supplies from entering the country.
Earlier, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said that the army was on alert at all national borders. The air and sea border to the offshore Netherlands Antilles islands Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao is closed.
The opposition wants to bring relief supplies for the needy population from February 23 into the country. In a warehouse in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, relief supplies from the US are waiting to be brought to Venezuela. Further international aid, including from France, is expected to arrive via Brazil and Curacao.
