The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it will be sending $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help in rebuilding the nation amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to Wam news agency, the decision was taken following an order from President Sheikh Mohamed.&nbsp;

The UAE has been an ally of Ukraine till now and they have already sent monetary aid to Ukrainians who were taking refuge in Bulgaria and Poland towards the start of the crisis. According to the United Nations, around eight million people fled Ukraine and were scattered all around Europe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-protests-featuring-slogans-against-xi-jinping-spread-across-china-526426" hreflang="en">Rare protests featuring slogans against Xi Jinping spread across the world</a>

Sheikh Mohamed has also been quite vocal about helping Ukrainian civilians affected by the constant fighting and during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he made it clear that he will be providing “humanitarian and economic&nbsp;assistance to mitigate the impact of the conflict with Russia”.&nbsp;

Zelensky also took to Twitter on Monday to thank UAE for their constant support.&nbsp;

Apart from the humanitarian aid, Sheikh Mohamed also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a “peaceful” conclusion to the Ukraine-Russia war. The two world leaders met in Strelna and according to state media, Mohamed called for both Russia and Ukraine to find a “middle ground”.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-summons-senior-chinese-diplomat-after-protester-beaten-at-manchester-consulate-526501">UK summons Chinese diplomat after protester beaten at Manchester consulate</a>

"By engaging in dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic mechanisms, a political settlement can be reached that will achieve international peace and security," the UAE state news agency reported.&nbsp;

Ukraine also received the first part of the proposed financial aid from the European Union on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on Telegram that the government received $1.96 million from the EU as a “financial resource to help cover urgent budgetary expenses”.&nbsp;

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The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it will be sending $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help in rebuilding the nation amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it will be sending $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help in rebuilding the nation amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to Wam news agency, the decision was taken following an order from President Sheikh Mohamed. The UAE has been an ally of Ukraine till now and they have already sent monetary aid to Ukrainians who were taking refuge in Bulgaria and Poland towards the start of the crisis. According to the United Nations, around eight million people fled Ukraine and were scattered all around Europe. Also read | Rare protests featuring slogans against Xi Jinping spread across the world Sheikh Mohamed has also been quite vocal about helping Ukrainian civilians affected by the constant fighting and during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he made it clear that he will be providing “humanitarian and economic assistance to mitigate the impact of the conflict with Russia”. Zelensky also took to Twitter on Monday to thank UAE for their constant support. Apart from the humanitarian aid, Sheikh Mohamed also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a “peaceful” conclusion to the Ukraine-Russia war. The two world leaders met in Strelna and according to state media, Mohamed called for both Russia and Ukraine to find a “middle ground”. Also read | UK summons Chinese diplomat after protester beaten at Manchester consulate "By engaging in dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic mechanisms, a political settlement can be reached that will achieve international peace and security," the UAE state news agency reported. Ukraine also received the first part of the proposed financial aid from the European Union on Tuesday. The Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on Telegram that the government received $1.96 million from the EU as a “financial resource to help cover urgent budgetary expenses”.

UAE to send $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine amid ongoing crisis

Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives. The floods claimed the lives of 736, 459 animals.

The total number of fatalities reached 1,290 after 29 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said, Geo news reported.

During a press conference held, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the international community to assist Pakistan and reassured the citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned to bring the country back to where it was. The first aid flight from France arrived on Saturday (September 3).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-one-third-of-pakistan-underwater-as-it-battles-worst-flood-in-history-512549">Also read |&nbsp;More than one-third of Pakistan underwater as it battles worst flood in history</a>

According to Shazia Mari, Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, nearly 723,919 families have received cash assistance of Rs 25,000 so far. Mari, taking it to Twitter, praised the government for its quick decision.

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Government of Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme has served 723,919 flood affected families by providing 25000 PKR per family since August 19th till today - 3rd September. A total of 18.25 billion PKR has been disbursed till date. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FloodsInPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FloodsInPakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/BtwHo5uWVW">pic.twitter.com/BtwHo5uWVW</a>
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/bisp_pakistan/status/1566134194434351104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of homes and buildings have suffered partial damage or are completely damaged. Initial damage has been estimated at USD 10 billion, although surveys are still being carried out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-floods-around-2000-more-people-rescued-by-countrys-armed-forces-512329">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan floods: Around 2,000 more people rescued by country's armed forces</a>

The disaster management chief said that the floods that inundated a third of the country, affecting over 33 million people, were preceded by numerous climate change instances, like four heatwaves, and various raging forest fires.

Presently, over 500,000 people are living in government and non-governmental relief camps due to internal displacement.

The relief effort in northwest Balochistan was done by a Pakistani military helicopter. The tents and supplies were being dropped on dry patches of land, and people were seen running there.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives.

Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives. The floods claimed the lives of 736, 459 animals. The total number of fatalities reached 1,290 after 29 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said, Geo news reported. During a press conference held, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the international community to assist Pakistan and reassured the citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned to bring the country back to where it was. The first aid flight from France arrived on Saturday (September 3). Also read | More than one-third of Pakistan underwater as it battles worst flood in history According to Shazia Mari, Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, nearly 723,919 families have received cash assistance of Rs 25,000 so far. Mari, taking it to Twitter, praised the government for its quick decision. Government of Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme has served 723,919 flood affected families by providing 25000 PKR per family since August 19th till today - 3rd September. A total of 18.25 billion PKR has been disbursed till date. #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/BtwHo5uWVW — Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) September 3, 2022 × Thousands of homes and buildings have suffered partial damage or are completely damaged. Initial damage has been estimated at USD 10 billion, although surveys are still being carried out. Also read | Pakistan floods: Around 2,000 more people rescued by country's armed forces The disaster management chief said that the floods that inundated a third of the country, affecting over 33 million people, were preceded by numerous climate change instances, like four heatwaves, and various raging forest fires. Presently, over 500,000 people are living in government and non-governmental relief camps due to internal displacement. The relief effort in northwest Balochistan was done by a Pakistani military helicopter. The tents and supplies were being dropped on dry patches of land, and people were seen running there. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Devastating floods in Pakistan claimed lives of nearly 1,300 people

Where does aid money really go? Does it even reach the intended recipients or does it get lost in distribution? Palki Sharma deconstructs some figures to explain how humanitarian aid has become a bit of a farce.

Gravitas Plus: The untold truth about Humanitarian Aid

Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region. According to sources in Bamyan, there are so many displaced people living on the outskirts of the Yakawlang who are in severe need of aid. As per reports of Khaama Press, recent humanitarian aid supplies delivered to Balkhab by the World Food Programme (WFP) were also displaced. Additionally, the locals of the areas have either fled or were forced to depart, leaving the Taliban in place, ANI reported.

According to UNHCR, it is crucial and urgent to provide shelter and food for displaced people who reside at a height of 2,700 meters in the chilly regions of Bamyan province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-founder-mullah-omars-vehicle-that-he-used-to-flee-during-us-invasion-dug-up-from-ground-494717">Taliban founder Mullah Omar's vehicle that he used to flee during US invasion dug up from ground</a>

The local media said that nearly 27,000 people had been forced to flee from their homes in a matter of two weeks due to fighting in the Balkhab district of the Sar-e Pul province in the country’s north.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: UAE to run Kabul Airport | Taliban looks to make allies in Gulf

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The Khaama press reported that according to the United Nations Organisations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (UNOCHA), more than 6,000 people from the Balkhab region have been displaced and are now being relocated to Bamyan, where the situation is similarly dire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-activists-denounce-illegitimate-taliban-rule-494159">Afghan women activists denounce 'illegitimate' Taliban rule</a>

The local media also said that Afghan women in the Balkhab region are being harassed by Taliban fighters in the region. &nbsp;

Ever since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the situation of the country and its people continue too worse. The Taliban deliberately adopted actions and policies with the intent of utterly eliminating women and girls from all aspects of public life, reflecting the position of females in the South Asian country. All of this happened in just ten months after taking control of the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region.

Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region. According to sources in Bamyan, there are so many displaced people living on the outskirts of the Yakawlang who are in severe need of aid. As per reports of Khaama Press, recent humanitarian aid supplies delivered to Balkhab by the World Food Programme (WFP) were also displaced. Additionally, the locals of the areas have either fled or were forced to depart, leaving the Taliban in place, ANI reported. According to UNHCR, it is crucial and urgent to provide shelter and food for displaced people who reside at a height of 2,700 meters in the chilly regions of Bamyan province. Also read | Taliban founder Mullah Omar's vehicle that he used to flee during US invasion dug up from ground The local media said that nearly 27,000 people had been forced to flee from their homes in a matter of two weeks due to fighting in the Balkhab district of the Sar-e Pul province in the country’s north. Watch | Report: UAE to run Kabul Airport | Taliban looks to make allies in Gulf The Khaama press reported that according to the United Nations Organisations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (UNOCHA), more than 6,000 people from the Balkhab region have been displaced and are now being relocated to Bamyan, where the situation is similarly dire. Also read | Afghan women activists denounce 'illegitimate' Taliban rule The local media also said that Afghan women in the Balkhab region are being harassed by Taliban fighters in the region. Ever since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the situation of the country and its people continue too worse. The Taliban deliberately adopted actions and policies with the intent of utterly eliminating women and girls from all aspects of public life, reflecting the position of females in the South Asian country. All of this happened in just ten months after taking control of the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban forbid entry of humanitarian aid into Afghanistan's Bamyan province

In one of&nbsp;Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja.

One of Maria Logiel's youngsters, too weak to sit up, bears telltale skin lesions caused by extreme&nbsp;hunger. The other, strapped to her back, stares gauntly from sunken eyes.&nbsp;

"I came with these two because they were badly off, and going to die," Logiel told AFP at a hospital in Karamoja, a vast and isolated northeastern border region afflicted by drought, disease and armed bands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-debt-trap-strategy-uganda-set-to-lose-its-only-international-airport-to-beijing-432465">China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing</a>

"(But) I left two others home, and I worry that by the time I get back, they'll be no more," the 30-year-old mother said.

More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja, some 40 per cent of the population of this neglected, long-suffering rural region between South Sudan and Kenya.

Natural disasters, plagues of locusts and army worms, and raids by heavily-armed cattle thieves have left little to eat.

As food has become ever more scarce, Karamoja's most vulnerable residents are struggling to survive.

"In three months we have lost more than 25&nbsp;children&nbsp;under five due to the malnutrition," said Doctor Sharif Nalibe, the district health officer in Kaabong, one of Karamoja's worst-hit districts.

"And these were the ones under our care, but (who) were brought at the last minute to the hospital. But there are many who die and (are) not reported in the communities."

Out of sight

Starvation in Karamoja is going largely unnoticed as higher-profile crises, including looming&nbsp;famine&nbsp;in the Horn of Africa, and the war in Ukraine, compel global attention.

Even in&nbsp;Uganda, the desperation is out of sight, unfolding 500 kilometres (310 miles) from the capital Kampala in a part of the country long written off as harsh and volatile.

But the level of hardship is extraordinary, even by the extremes sometimes endured in Karamoja.

Watch |&nbsp;Uganda sees a surge in domestic tourism as it witnesses a post-pandemic boom

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Across the region, about 91,600&nbsp;children&nbsp;and 9,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and need treatment, according to the latest assessment by humanitarian agencies and foreign donors.

"In terms of acute malnutrition... this year we have experienced the worst that we have had in the last 10 years," said Alex Mokori, a nutrition specialist from&nbsp;UNICEF, which is screening for malnutrition in Karamoja with local authorities.

Logiel said she resorted to foraging to put food on the table, but the wild plants often made her&nbsp;children&nbsp;sicker.

In desperation, she would sometimes purchase the mealy dregs from a popular locally-made sorghum brew called "malwa", even if the effect was mildly alcoholic.

Half a litre of this residue goes for about 40 US cents -- often more than she could afford.

"Often we failed to raise money and the&nbsp;children&nbsp;sleep hungry," Logiel said.

Worse to come

With a porous border and thriving illicit trade, Karamoja has endured decades of tit-for-tat armed cattle raids between nomadic clans that wander the lawless frontier between&nbsp;Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya.

These incursions make life even more miserable for Karimojong communities entirely reliant on livestock and crops to survive, and government interventions to disarm rustlers have not stopped the cycles of violence.

The erratic effects of a changing climate -- Karamoja is experiencing harsh drought, but last year witnessed damaging floods and landslides -- have only multiplied the hardships bearing down on the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ugandan-leaders-son-leaves-military-in-move-seen-as-preparing-for-presidency-460297">Ugandan leader's son leaves military, in move seen as preparing for presidency</a>

"Now, with the prolonged drought, and cattle rustlers, and communities left with no source of livelihood, we are heading for the worst," said Nalibe, the Kaabong district health officer.

For some, the worst has already arrived.

Nangole Lopwon went to sell firewood in a nearby village and left her hungry twins with one of her older&nbsp;children, only to return and find one of the young ones had died.

"What could I do? The child was not sick. It was purely&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;that killed him," said the mother of five from Kaabong.

Now she, too, is malnourished, and the surviving twin in a dire state.

"Even this one is about to die," she wailed.

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&nbsp;

In one of Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja.

In one of Uganda's poorest and most lawless regions, anxious mothers clutch bone-thin infants in a malnutrition ward, terrified their child could be next to succumb to starvation in Karamoja. One of Maria Logiel's youngsters, too weak to sit up, bears telltale skin lesions caused by extreme hunger. The other, strapped to her back, stares gauntly from sunken eyes. "I came with these two because they were badly off, and going to die," Logiel told AFP at a hospital in Karamoja, a vast and isolated northeastern border region afflicted by drought, disease and armed bands. Also read | China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing "(But) I left two others home, and I worry that by the time I get back, they'll be no more," the 30-year-old mother said. More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja, some 40 per cent of the population of this neglected, long-suffering rural region between South Sudan and Kenya. Natural disasters, plagues of locusts and army worms, and raids by heavily-armed cattle thieves have left little to eat. As food has become ever more scarce, Karamoja's most vulnerable residents are struggling to survive. "In three months we have lost more than 25 children under five due to the malnutrition," said Doctor Sharif Nalibe, the district health officer in Kaabong, one of Karamoja's worst-hit districts. "And these were the ones under our care, but (who) were brought at the last minute to the hospital. But there are many who die and (are) not reported in the communities." Out of sight Starvation in Karamoja is going largely unnoticed as higher-profile crises, including looming famine in the Horn of Africa, and the war in Ukraine, compel global attention. Even in Uganda, the desperation is out of sight, unfolding 500 kilometres (310 miles) from the capital Kampala in a part of the country long written off as harsh and volatile. But the level of hardship is extraordinary, even by the extremes sometimes endured in Karamoja. Watch | Uganda sees a surge in domestic tourism as it witnesses a post-pandemic boom Across the region, about 91,600 children and 9,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition and need treatment, according to the latest assessment by humanitarian agencies and foreign donors. "In terms of acute malnutrition... this year we have experienced the worst that we have had in the last 10 years," said Alex Mokori, a nutrition specialist from UNICEF, which is screening for malnutrition in Karamoja with local authorities. Logiel said she resorted to foraging to put food on the table, but the wild plants often made her children sicker. In desperation, she would sometimes purchase the mealy dregs from a popular locally-made sorghum brew called "malwa", even if the effect was mildly alcoholic. Half a litre of this residue goes for about 40 US cents -- often more than she could afford. "Often we failed to raise money and the children sleep hungry," Logiel said. Worse to come With a porous border and thriving illicit trade, Karamoja has endured decades of tit-for-tat armed cattle raids between nomadic clans that wander the lawless frontier between Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya. These incursions make life even more miserable for Karimojong communities entirely reliant on livestock and crops to survive, and government interventions to disarm rustlers have not stopped the cycles of violence. The erratic effects of a changing climate -- Karamoja is experiencing harsh drought, but last year witnessed damaging floods and landslides -- have only multiplied the hardships bearing down on the region. Also read | Ugandan leader's son leaves military, in move seen as preparing for presidency "Now, with the prolonged drought, and cattle rustlers, and communities left with no source of livelihood, we are heading for the worst," said Nalibe, the Kaabong district health officer. For some, the worst has already arrived. Nangole Lopwon went to sell firewood in a nearby village and left her hungry twins with one of her older children, only to return and find one of the young ones had died. "What could I do? The child was not sick. It was purely hunger that killed him," said the mother of five from Kaabong. Now she, too, is malnourished, and the surviving twin in a dire state. "Even this one is about to die," she wailed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hunger claims children in forgotten corner of Uganda

In a compromise plan, the World Bank may divert funds intended for rebuilding efforts to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, reports claim.

In an informal board meeting on Tuesday, the bank's management intends to discuss the proposal to re-direct funds from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to support humanitarian efforts through the UN and other humanitarian agencies with presence and logistic capabilities in Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-and-911-families-fight-for-billions-in-frozen-afghan-funds-432862">Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds</a>

According to the United Nations, around 22 million Afghans, or more than half of the country, will experience a severe food shortage this winter as a result of drought caused by global warming and an economic crisis aggravated by the Taliban's takeover.

The financial crisis worsened when Washington froze about $10 billion of Afghanistan's reserves and further deteriorated when the World Bank and &nbsp;International Monetary Fund blocked Afghanistan's access to funding.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-demolished-ancient-buddha-statues-and-now-charge-tourists-5-to-watch-empty-holes-432664">Taliban demolished ancient Buddha statues and now charge tourists $5 to watch empty holes</a>

In a Reuters report citing people familiar with the plan, the news agency reports that the World Bank plan is part of a compromise between the United Nations and the US government. This decision could result in a $500 million transfer from the ARTF to humanitarian groups.

If the aid would be unlocked, the Taliban would be bypassed. Donors of the ARTF, however, will determine the next steps and timing of the release.

In 2002, the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) was established. It is a multi-donor trust fund that coordinates international aid to help millions of Afghans. World Bank manages the ARTF on behalf of 34 donors.

Watch |&nbsp;EU hold talks with Taliban in Doha, to release funds, reopen embassies

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According to the ARTF website this fund "is the largest single source of funding for Afghanistan’s development, financing up to 30 per cent of Afghanistan’s civilian budget, and supporting core functions of the government".&nbsp;

ARTF has partnered with public programs since 2002 to reduce infant mortality and increase education enrolment.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a compromise plan, the World Bank may divert funds intended for rebuilding efforts to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, reports claim. In an informal board meeting on Tuesday, the bank's management intends to discuss the proposal to re-direct funds from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to support humanitarian efforts through the UN and other humanitarian agencies with presence and logistic capabilities in Afghanistan.

In a compromise plan, the World Bank may divert funds intended for rebuilding efforts to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, reports claim. In an informal board meeting on Tuesday, the bank's management intends to discuss the proposal to re-direct funds from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to support humanitarian efforts through the UN and other humanitarian agencies with presence and logistic capabilities in Afghanistan. Also read | Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds According to the United Nations, around 22 million Afghans, or more than half of the country, will experience a severe food shortage this winter as a result of drought caused by global warming and an economic crisis aggravated by the Taliban's takeover. The financial crisis worsened when Washington froze about $10 billion of Afghanistan's reserves and further deteriorated when the World Bank and International Monetary Fund blocked Afghanistan's access to funding. Also read | Taliban demolished ancient Buddha statues and now charge tourists $5 to watch empty holes In a Reuters report citing people familiar with the plan, the news agency reports that the World Bank plan is part of a compromise between the United Nations and the US government. This decision could result in a $500 million transfer from the ARTF to humanitarian groups. If the aid would be unlocked, the Taliban would be bypassed. Donors of the ARTF, however, will determine the next steps and timing of the release. In 2002, the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) was established. It is a multi-donor trust fund that coordinates international aid to help millions of Afghans. World Bank manages the ARTF on behalf of 34 donors. Watch | EU hold talks with Taliban in Doha, to release funds, reopen embassies According to the ARTF website this fund "is the largest single source of funding for Afghanistan’s development, financing up to 30 per cent of Afghanistan’s civilian budget, and supporting core functions of the government". ARTF has partnered with public programs since 2002 to reduce infant mortality and increase education enrolment. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanitarian aid may be released to Afghanistan by the World Bank: Reports

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions.

Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items.

"Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-afghanistan-will-again-become-a-safe-haven-for-terrorists-imran-khan-at-unga-415729">Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA</a>

She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others.

The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-activist-says-taliban-have-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-women-415507">Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people.

US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-says-executions-will-return-in-afghanistan-41539">Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan</a>

The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions. Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items. "Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement. Also Read | Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others. The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years. Also Read | Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people. US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Also Read | Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services. (With inputs from agencies)

US finds way to provide humanitarian aid to Afghan people despite sanctions

An aircraft from Qatar carrying a technical team has landed in Kabul. The team will be working on the resumption of airport operations. The aim is to resume flights for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement.

Aircraft from Qatar carrying technical team lands in Kabul

European Union countries have agreed to step up humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and assistance to neighbouring countries to take in refugees. But, EU ministers debated how to prevent the feared influx of Afghans.

EU to support countries neighbouring Afghanistan to take in refugees

World Health Organisation on Wednesday warned against interruptions in humanitarian aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The WHO said that Afghanistan's fragile health system was vulnerable.

"Sustained access to humanitarian assistance, including essential health services and medical supplies, is a critical lifeline for millions of Afghans, and must not be interrupted," a statement said.

"Months of violence have taken a heavy toll on Afghanistan's fragile health system, which had already been facing shortages in essential supplies amid the Covid-19 pandemic," it added.

The WHO called on "all parties to respect and protect civilians, health workers, patients and health facilities".

WHO said that 26 health facilities were attacked between January and July this year. It added that 11 health workers were killed. This, said WHO, made security at health facilities a "major challenge"

Afghanistan fell after a meteoric Taliban offensive, and before the August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden for the last American soldiers to pull out.

Many aid donor countries remain on guard about the new regime in the country, where the Taliban ruled with an iron hand from 1996 to 2001.

The United States has said it expects the Taliban to respect human rights, especially those of women.

Germany, Finland and Sweden said on Tuesday that they would stop sending development aid to Afghanistan for now.

Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have remained silent so far, but they could freeze financial assistance to the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation on Wednesday warned against interruptions in humanitarian aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The WHO said that Afghanistan's fragile health system was vulnerable.

World Health Organisation on Wednesday warned against interruptions in humanitarian aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The WHO said that Afghanistan's fragile health system was vulnerable. "Sustained access to humanitarian assistance, including essential health services and medical supplies, is a critical lifeline for millions of Afghans, and must not be interrupted," a statement said. "Months of violence have taken a heavy toll on Afghanistan's fragile health system, which had already been facing shortages in essential supplies amid the Covid-19 pandemic," it added. The WHO called on "all parties to respect and protect civilians, health workers, patients and health facilities". WHO said that 26 health facilities were attacked between January and July this year. It added that 11 health workers were killed. This, said WHO, made security at health facilities a "major challenge" Afghanistan fell after a meteoric Taliban offensive, and before the August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden for the last American soldiers to pull out. Many aid donor countries remain on guard about the new regime in the country, where the Taliban ruled with an iron hand from 1996 to 2001. The United States has said it expects the Taliban to respect human rights, especially those of women. Germany, Finland and Sweden said on Tuesday that they would stop sending development aid to Afghanistan for now. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have remained silent so far, but they could freeze financial assistance to the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan must continue, says WHO

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that any disturbances aimed at Israel from the Gaza Strip will be met with a harsh response. Bennett also added that his government is working on enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Disturbance aimed at Israel will be met with harsh response, Bennett warns Hamas

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week.

The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger"

He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup.

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square. Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week. The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger" He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge. The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope backs Myanmar bishops' appeal for humanitarian corridor

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar. &nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India, said, "Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment".&nbsp;

The Tigray crisis has been making global headlines after worsening the situation in that part of Ethiopia. The development comes after clashes broken between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia and shares borders with Eritrea, Sudan.&nbsp;

The envoy also spoke on India's outreach amid the Covid pandemic. She said, "Always whenever there have been any kinds of difficulties, India has been there to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia." Adding, "We know India is the hub of pharma" and it has the "capacity to support many countries and we have seen them supporting neighbouring and African countries."&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India-Ethiopia ties?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: First of all, when we see the relationship between these two countries, we have to see that the relationship has been there for a long period of time and is historical. It started in the first century BC, and Indians went to Ethiopia to sell different kinds of items including silk, spices and they used to get ivory and gold from Ethiopia. So, this relationship is historic, and the trade relationship has grown very well, and we started our diplomatic ties in 1948, just immediately after India got its independence. So, from then onwards we have got a very profound kind of relationship, especially one that focuses on capacity building. When we have seen a capacity building with a lot of Indian professors and teachers going to Ethiopia to teach in Ethiopian high schools and universities. This means Indians were playing a very good role in producing generation in Ethiopia, which is the base for development and growth also. This relationship has grown into trade and investment relation, especially for last 15 years number of Indian investors have been growing in Ethiopia. Trade relations, I can say we have good trade ties, so generally social, political, diplomatic, we have profound relation. We are working to develop this relationship into strategic relationship.&nbsp;

WION: Key outcome of Ethiopian FM's India visit?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: Basically, we have been waiting for this visit for a long time, it means something for us. During the visit, bilateral issues were discussed especially the Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to the Indian side, the Indian government regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray, and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment. Ethiopian government explained to its Indian counterpart, how much access is open to providing humanitarian assistance to the needy over there and how much the Ethiopian govt is ready to respect the human rights, of the Tigrayan people, and also the refugees, especially Eritrean refugees in the Tigrayan region. Beyond that, it was an opportunity to explain regarding border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopian government explained that the position is to amicably solve this problem based on negotiation. We managed to sign different agreements, especially, visa wavier agreements for diplomats and also agreements on education between two different institutions. It will help us to go further to the next level and develop a relationship into a strategic relationship.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in Africa?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: When we talk about Indian Involvement in Africa, it is not recent history. It has been like a long period of time. We could find a lot of Indian Diaspora in any part of the Africa that has been there for a long period of time, in addition to that, Indians have been playing a very big role in the national movement of independence. So, I can say, relationship between India and Africa is very profound, and India and Africa have worked a lot for the development of capacity in African countries, and the trade and investment relationship has also grown very well. So, they share a lot of commonalities especially in UN reforms and the International agenda. So far, Indians playing a very good role in entering Africa and making their presence better than the previous ones. India and Africa share lot of development trajectories. There is a lot, Africa can learn and a lot Africa can get from India especially in terms of adaptable technologies, because we really share many things, for instance, both Indian and African societies based on agriculture. We can learn how India is trying to get to a high level in terms of the economy and many levels. We can learn from Indian democracy, governance. I can say so far role of India is really, it means a lot. We can refer to three India-Africa summits, that has been there for last 15 years. All these summits have seen different development issues as agenda. Current PM Modi has given priority to presence of India in Africa, taking this into consideration, I can say India could be one of the great partners of Africa and for African development.&nbsp;

WION: How has been covid cooperation between India and Ethiopia?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: Always whenever there has been any kind of difficulties India has been there, to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia. So, when covid pandemic came last year, India was one of the first country that sent different kinds of medical equipment to Ethiopia. We are really grateful to that. Our PM has spoken to PM Modi, they have talked a lot on how to cooperate in terms of covid and other related issues. We know India is the hub of pharma and it has capacity to support many countries and we have seen they are supporting neighboring and African countries. We are studying on how to get support from India and my government will consider on how to benefit from this relation.&nbsp;

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar.

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India, said, "Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment". The Tigray crisis has been making global headlines after worsening the situation in that part of Ethiopia. The development comes after clashes broken between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia and shares borders with Eritrea, Sudan. The envoy also spoke on India's outreach amid the Covid pandemic. She said, "Always whenever there have been any kinds of difficulties, India has been there to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia." Adding, "We know India is the hub of pharma" and it has the "capacity to support many countries and we have seen them supporting neighbouring and African countries." WION: How do you see India-Ethiopia ties? Tizita Mulugeta: First of all, when we see the relationship between these two countries, we have to see that the relationship has been there for a long period of time and is historical. It started in the first century BC, and Indians went to Ethiopia to sell different kinds of items including silk, spices and they used to get ivory and gold from Ethiopia. So, this relationship is historic, and the trade relationship has grown very well, and we started our diplomatic ties in 1948, just immediately after India got its independence. So, from then onwards we have got a very profound kind of relationship, especially one that focuses on capacity building. When we have seen a capacity building with a lot of Indian professors and teachers going to Ethiopia to teach in Ethiopian high schools and universities. This means Indians were playing a very good role in producing generation in Ethiopia, which is the base for development and growth also. This relationship has grown into trade and investment relation, especially for last 15 years number of Indian investors have been growing in Ethiopia. Trade relations, I can say we have good trade ties, so generally social, political, diplomatic, we have profound relation. We are working to develop this relationship into strategic relationship. WION: Key outcome of Ethiopian FM's India visit? Tizita Mulugeta: Basically, we have been waiting for this visit for a long time, it means something for us. During the visit, bilateral issues were discussed especially the Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to the Indian side, the Indian government regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray, and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment. Ethiopian government explained to its Indian counterpart, how much access is open to providing humanitarian assistance to the needy over there and how much the Ethiopian govt is ready to respect the human rights, of the Tigrayan people, and also the refugees, especially Eritrean refugees in the Tigrayan region. Beyond that, it was an opportunity to explain regarding border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopian government explained that the position is to amicably solve this problem based on negotiation. We managed to sign different agreements, especially, visa wavier agreements for diplomats and also agreements on education between two different institutions. It will help us to go further to the next level and develop a relationship into a strategic relationship. WION: How do you see India's role in Africa? Tizita Mulugeta: When we talk about Indian Involvement in Africa, it is not recent history. It has been like a long period of time. We could find a lot of Indian Diaspora in any part of the Africa that has been there for a long period of time, in addition to that, Indians have been playing a very big role in the national movement of independence. So, I can say, relationship between India and Africa is very profound, and India and Africa have worked a lot for the development of capacity in African countries, and the trade and investment relationship has also grown very well. So, they share a lot of commonalities especially in UN reforms and the International agenda. So far, Indians playing a very good role in entering Africa and making their presence better than the previous ones. India and Africa share lot of development trajectories. There is a lot, Africa can learn and a lot Africa can get from India especially in terms of adaptable technologies, because we really share many things, for instance, both Indian and African societies based on agriculture. We can learn how India is trying to get to a high level in terms of the economy and many levels. We can learn from Indian democracy, governance. I can say so far role of India is really, it means a lot. We can refer to three India-Africa summits, that has been there for last 15 years. All these summits have seen different development issues as agenda. Current PM Modi has given priority to presence of India in Africa, taking this into consideration, I can say India could be one of the great partners of Africa and for African development. WION: How has been covid cooperation between India and Ethiopia? Tizita Mulugeta: Always whenever there has been any kind of difficulties India has been there, to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia. So, when covid pandemic came last year, India was one of the first country that sent different kinds of medical equipment to Ethiopia. We are really grateful to that. Our PM has spoken to PM Modi, they have talked a lot on how to cooperate in terms of covid and other related issues. We know India is the hub of pharma and it has capacity to support many countries and we have seen they are supporting neighboring and African countries. We are studying on how to get support from India and my government will consider on how to benefit from this relation.

Ethiopia briefs India about Tigray, says humanitarian aid being delivered

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence.

The war-torn country has been struggling to meet ends meet with the majority of the population falling below the poverty line.&nbsp;

In order to help the ailing country, India is delivering 2,000 tonnes of rice as a response to the request for emergency humanitarian assistance from the Syrian government, the external affairs ministry said.

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Govt. of India’s humanitarian assistance of 2000 MT rice as Gift for People &amp; Govt of Syria arrives in Latakia. Amb Hifzur Rahman presents the gift to Syrian Minister of Local Admin, Head of Supreme Relief Com. Eng Makhlouf<a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SecySanjay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecySanjay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/ivoUnjSXsN">pic.twitter.com/ivoUnjSXsN</a>
— India in Damascus (@eoidamascus) <a href="https://twitter.com/eoidamascus/status/1359898181513981953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian ambassador Hifzur Rahman handed over the first 1,000 tonnes of rice to Hussain Makhlouf, Syria’s minister of local administration and head of the Supreme Relief Committee on Friday at Latakia port. Next 1,000 tonnes of rice will be delivered to Syria by February 18.

"India and Syria have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. The government of India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Syria, and our bilateral engagement has continued apace even during the years of internal conflict there through a number of development and capacity building projects," the external affairs ministry said.

Last year in July, the Indian government had gifted nearly 10 tonnes of medicines to Syria to assist them through the coronavirus pandemic, which had stopped several aides to the war-torn country.

In addition to this, a camp was also set up in January 2020, called 'Jaipur foot', for artificial limbs. Organised by the Indian external affairs ministry in partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, this camp, organised in Damascus, benefited nearly 500 Syrian nationals.

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence.

India has once again stepped up to help a country in need. This time, India is gifting 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria where people have been starving due to economic collapse and constant violence. The war-torn country has been struggling to meet ends meet with the majority of the population falling below the poverty line. In order to help the ailing country, India is delivering 2,000 tonnes of rice as a response to the request for emergency humanitarian assistance from the Syrian government, the external affairs ministry said. Govt. of India’s humanitarian assistance of 2000 MT rice as Gift for People & Govt of Syria arrives in Latakia. Amb Hifzur Rahman presents the gift to Syrian Minister of Local Admin, Head of Supreme Relief Com. Eng Makhlouf@DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @SecySanjay @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/ivoUnjSXsN — India in Damascus (@eoidamascus) February 11, 2021 × The Indian ambassador Hifzur Rahman handed over the first 1,000 tonnes of rice to Hussain Makhlouf, Syria’s minister of local administration and head of the Supreme Relief Committee on Friday at Latakia port. Next 1,000 tonnes of rice will be delivered to Syria by February 18. "India and Syria have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. The government of India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Syria, and our bilateral engagement has continued apace even during the years of internal conflict there through a number of development and capacity building projects," the external affairs ministry said. Last year in July, the Indian government had gifted nearly 10 tonnes of medicines to Syria to assist them through the coronavirus pandemic, which had stopped several aides to the war-torn country. In addition to this, a camp was also set up in January 2020, called 'Jaipur foot', for artificial limbs. Organised by the Indian external affairs ministry in partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, this camp, organised in Damascus, benefited nearly 500 Syrian nationals.

India gifts 2,000 tonnes of rice to Syria as 'humanitarian assistance'

Half of Afghans need humanitarian aid but rising violence is preventing deliveries, a senior European Union humanitarian official said on Wednesday (February 3), reiterating calls for a ceasefire between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban.

Half of Afghans need humanitarian aid as violence rises - EU Commissioner

Australia will offer farmers hurt by drought up to A$1 billion ($688.10 million) in cheap loans, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday (November 7), as the government seeks to curb rising discontent from rural voters.

Australia offers drought ravaged farmers up to $688 million in cheap loans

The United States on Tuesday announced additional humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million, US Embassy in Afghanistan said in a statement.&nbsp;

This will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year.

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NEW: <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USEmbassyKabul</a> announces $125 million in <a href="https://twitter.com/USAID?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAID</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USAIDFFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAIDFFP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StatePRM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StatePRM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/humanitarian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#humanitarian</a> aid for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> to provide 
🔹 food 🍚 
🔹 water 🥤 
🔹 health ⚕️ 
🔹 shelter 🏘️ 
+ more to help Afghans displaced by flooding, conflict, &amp; drought<a href="https://t.co/u2o9QIN3RS">https://t.co/u2o9QIN3RS</a> <a href="https://t.co/m6SESaJdLO">pic.twitter.com/m6SESaJdLO</a>
— USAID/OFDA (@theOFDA) <a href="https://twitter.com/theOFDA/status/1163786665040732165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The humanitarian aid for Afghanistan will be used to provide food, water, health, shelter and "more to help Afghans displaced by flooding, conflict and drought," read a tweet posted by USAID's Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance.&nbsp;

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The United States announces almost $125 million in humanitarian assistance to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. This brings the total U.S. funding in this fiscal year to nearly $190 million. Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/AuPnKAZ3fG">https://t.co/AuPnKAZ3fG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldHumanitarianDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldHumanitarianDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USAIDAfghan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAIDAfghan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StatePRM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StatePRM</a> <a href="https://t.co/I8dol1jP1t">pic.twitter.com/I8dol1jP1t</a>
— U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKabul/status/1163698228178628608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The United States announces an additional amount of nearly $125 million in humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable Afghans inside Afghanistan, including internally displaced persons, conflict and flood-affected communities, and Afghan returnees. This brings the total US&nbsp;funding in this fiscal year to the Afghan humanitarian response to nearly $190 million, including for Afghan refugees in the region," the statement read.

The United States also urged all countries to come ahead and "make or increase their contributions to the UN humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan", which is currently only 27 per cent funded.&nbsp;

"The United States remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable Afghans and stands with the Afghan people in their dedication to helping create an Afghanistan in which all its citizens have the opportunity to live in peace and dignity," the statement posted on the website of US&nbsp;Embassy in Afghanistan read.&nbsp;

The additional funding will support life-saving activities and provide "emergency food, nutrition, clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, emergency health, disaster preparedness and risk reduction, shelter, protection, humanitarian coordination and logistics, and non-food items and relief commodities" along with "refugee repatriation grants, education, livelihoods and other efforts to promote long-term integration of returning refugees".

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-123-in-multiple-bomb-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-244306">a series of bombings</a> struck restaurants and public squares in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani on Monday&nbsp;vowed to eliminate Islamic State&nbsp;from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people. Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day.

On Saturday, a deadly suicide-bomb blast took rocked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Darulaman area of Kabul city</a>.&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-condemns-kabul-attack-that-killed-63-243955">Guterres condemned the attack</a> which&nbsp;claimed at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through-wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">63 lives and wounded over 180</a>.

Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday announced additional humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million, US Embassy in Afghanistan said in a statement. This will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year.

The United States on Tuesday announced additional humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million, US Embassy in Afghanistan said in a statement. This will now take the overall US funding to Afghanistan to nearly $190 million this fiscal year. NEW: @USEmbassyKabul announces $125 million in @USAID @USAIDFFP @StatePRM #humanitarian aid for #Afghanistan to provide 🔹 food 🍚 🔹 water 🥤 🔹 health ⚕️ 🔹 shelter 🏘️ + more to help Afghans displaced by flooding, conflict, & droughthttps://t.co/u2o9QIN3RS pic.twitter.com/m6SESaJdLO — USAID/OFDA (@theOFDA) August 20, 2019 × The humanitarian aid for Afghanistan will be used to provide food, water, health, shelter and "more to help Afghans displaced by flooding, conflict and drought," read a tweet posted by USAID's Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance. The United States announces almost $125 million in humanitarian assistance to #Afghanistan. This brings the total U.S. funding in this fiscal year to nearly $190 million. Full statement: https://t.co/AuPnKAZ3fG #WorldHumanitarianDay @USAIDAfghan @StatePRM pic.twitter.com/I8dol1jP1t — U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) August 20, 2019 × "The United States announces an additional amount of nearly $125 million in humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable Afghans inside Afghanistan, including internally displaced persons, conflict and flood-affected communities, and Afghan returnees. This brings the total US funding in this fiscal year to the Afghan humanitarian response to nearly $190 million, including for Afghan refugees in the region," the statement read. The United States also urged all countries to come ahead and "make or increase their contributions to the UN humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan", which is currently only 27 per cent funded. "The United States remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable Afghans and stands with the Afghan people in their dedication to helping create an Afghanistan in which all its citizens have the opportunity to live in peace and dignity," the statement posted on the website of US Embassy in Afghanistan read. The additional funding will support life-saving activities and provide "emergency food, nutrition, clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, emergency health, disaster preparedness and risk reduction, shelter, protection, humanitarian coordination and logistics, and non-food items and relief commodities" along with "refugee repatriation grants, education, livelihoods and other efforts to promote long-term integration of returning refugees". On Monday, a series of bombings struck restaurants and public squares in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad as the country marked the 100th anniversary of its independence. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday vowed to eliminate Islamic State from the country and said that he "will take revenge" for his people. Ghani made the statement while addressing the nation on its 100th Independence Day. On Saturday, a deadly suicide-bomb blast took rocked Darulaman area of Kabul city. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack which claimed at least 63 lives and wounded over 180. Mayhem from Afghanistan's war continues to wreak havoc on Afghans every day, even though the US and the Taliban are in final negotiations for a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan and could potentially lead to a reduction in violence.

United States announces humanitarian aid to Afghanistan worth $125 million

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab of Emirates have sent 95 tons of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-two-million-in-need-of-humanitarian-aid-after-iran-floods-210683">humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Iran</a>, officials said on Thursday.

"The Saudi Red Crescent, as part of a joint Saudi-UAE initiative to alleviate the suffering of Iranian citizens, has dispatched a relief plane to Tehran with 95 tons of humanitarian aid to support those affected by floods," the official Saudi Press Agency said.

The aid included food and shelter material and was authorised by Saudi's king and crown prince.

At least 78 people died and over 1000 got injured in the disastrous floods.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called the floods the "largest disaster to hit Iran in more than 15 years".

An estimated 10 million people across 2,000 cities and towns have been affected, with more than half a million displaced, it said.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab of Emirates have sent 95 tons of humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Iran, officials said on Thursday. "The Saudi Red Crescent, as part of a joint Saudi-UAE initiative to alleviate the suffering of Iranian citizens, has dispatched a relief plane to Tehran with 95 tons of humanitarian aid to support those affected by floods," the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab of Emirates have sent 95 tons of humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Iran, officials said on Thursday. "The Saudi Red Crescent, as part of a joint Saudi-UAE initiative to alleviate the suffering of Iranian citizens, has dispatched a relief plane to Tehran with 95 tons of humanitarian aid to support those affected by floods," the official Saudi Press Agency said. The aid included food and shelter material and was authorised by Saudi's king and crown prince. At least 78 people died and over 1000 got injured in the disastrous floods. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called the floods the "largest disaster to hit Iran in more than 15 years". An estimated 10 million people across 2,000 cities and towns have been affected, with more than half a million displaced, it said.

Saudi Arabia, UAE send humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Iran

Floods in Iran have left around two million people in need of humanitarian aid, the Red Crescent said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/76-dead-in-iran-floods-as-tehran-weighs-costs-210286">At least 78 people died</a> and over 1000 got injured in the disastrous floods.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called the floods the "largest disaster to hit Iran in more than 15 years".

An estimated 10 million people across 2,000 cities and towns have been affected, with more than half a million displaced, it said.

"In all, more than 457,000 people have been reached by Red Crescent services," and emergency accommodation provided for 239,000.

The floods have caused serious damages to road, building and infrastructure. The transport minister said that around 14,000 kilometres of roads are damaged.

(With inputs from AFP)

Floods in Iran have left around two million people in need of humanitarian aid, the Red Crescent said on Monday. At least 78 people died and over 1000 got injured in the disastrous floods.

Floods in Iran have left around two million people in need of humanitarian aid, the Red Crescent said on Monday. At least 78 people died and over 1000 got injured in the disastrous floods. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called the floods the "largest disaster to hit Iran in more than 15 years". An estimated 10 million people across 2,000 cities and towns have been affected, with more than half a million displaced, it said. "In all, more than 457,000 people have been reached by Red Crescent services," and emergency accommodation provided for 239,000. The floods have caused serious damages to road, building and infrastructure. The transport minister said that around 14,000 kilometres of roads are damaged. (With inputs from AFP)

Around two million in need of humanitarian aid after Iran floods

First, he declared a rival presidency. Then he made a play for Citgo. Last weekend he flouted a court travel ban. Now, Juan Guaido says he is headed back home to Venezuela in another challenge to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-deports-univision-team-after-maduro-shown-garbage-eating-video-199910">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

Guaido, recognised by most Western nations as the country's legitimate leader, slipped into neighbouring Colombia last week to lead an ultimately failed effort to bring humanitarian aid into the crisis-stricken country.

After meeting with regional leaders including US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence in Bogota, Guaido is expected to come back through the porous border in the coming days and resume his political activities in open defiance of a Supreme Court order.

"I'm going to return to Caracas this week," Guaido said in an interview with NTN24 broadcast on Tuesday. "My role and my duty is to be in Caracas despite the risks."

He travelled last week from Caracas across the country in a caravan and then slipped into Colombia via back roads along the 2,200 km (1,367 miles) border, according to Colombian local media. Guaido said he received help from members of Venezuela's armed forces.

Representatives for Guaido declined to disclose a timetable for his return or whether he will return the same way. To return via an official route would pose an even more brazen challenge to Maduro's authority.

Maduro has faced regional condemnation this week for violently driving back the opposition's attempts to bring in humanitarian aid. He denies there is a crisis despite overseeing a hyperinflationary economic meltdown that has spawned widespread food and medicine shortages.

Guaido's return will force Maduro to decide whether to risk even greater international outrage by attempting to arrest the 35-year old Congress chief or to allow him to openly disregard state institutions linked to the ruling Socialist Party.

"Trying to manage the Guaido situation has become a real problem for the government because (Guaido) has grown so much politically," said Luis Salamanca, a political scientist and constitutional law professor at Venezuela's Central University.

Guaido invoked articles of the constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, declaring Maduro a usurper following his 2018 re-election in a vote widely boycotted by the opposition.

State institutions including the chief prosecutor's office, the Supreme Court, and the comptroller's officer - all openly allied with Maduro - responded by opening investigations of Guaido.

But no state institution has sought his arrest or even formally accused him of a crime. So far authorities have only frozen his local bank accounts and prohibited foreign travel.

The ruling Socialist Party has in the past clipped the wings of opposition politicians, particularly charismatic challengers, by accusing them of irregularities in managing state funds.

Maduro said in an ABC News interview released on Tuesday that Guaido's fate was up to the justice system: "He can't just come and go. He will have to face justice, and justice prohibited him from leaving the country. I will respect the laws."

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Guaido said his team had a strategy should he be detained, without giving details on what that was.

"A prisoner doesn't do anyone any good but neither does an exiled president so we are in uncharted waters here," he said.

KEEPING UP MOMENTUM

Many Venezuelans credit Guaido, a fresh face, with capturing the international community's attention through his bold move to swear himself in as interim president, galvanizing a once-fractured and weary opposition.

Maduro, who has described his rival as a US-backed puppet, now faces severe international pressure including US sanctions meant to cripple the OPEC nation's vital oil industry.

"I hope he returns because he has shown himself to be a politician with strength, who has given us hope," said Martha Sanchez, 65, a receptionist who has lost a third of her weight due to hyperinflation that has left her struggling to buy food on a minimum wage equivalent to less than $10 per month.

Guaido's attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country had, in particular, fuelled her hope as she has been unable to find hypertension pills for sale over the past two months.

"No other candidate called for humanitarian aid before," she said.

To be sure, Guaido's team also faces a conundrum after that effort failed, allowing Maduro to declare victory even as the images of troops firing tear gas on convoys carrying aid sparked anger around the world.

Guaido's team has won control over crucial offshore assets including US-based refiner Citgo but still does not control the ports or central bank, or, most crucially, the armed forces.

"If he doesn't keep up momentum, he will end up being another failed leader of the opposition," said Jesus Barreto, a 21-year old student. "He needs to keep challenging the government."

Maduro's government has largely allowed him to carry out political activities including rallies and press conferences and appears unwilling to imprison him - even now that he has openly flouted a legal restriction placed upon him.

"I think they will hold off because it is much more sustainable over time to make your opponent seem ineffective than making yourself appear more like a dictator, especially when there is so much focus on you," said Raul Gallegos, an analyst with the consultancy Control Risks.

First, he declared a rival presidency. Then he made a play for Citgo. Last weekend he flouted a court travel ban. Now, Juan Guaido says he is headed back home to Venezuela in another challenge to President Nicolas Maduro.

First, he declared a rival presidency. Then he made a play for Citgo. Last weekend he flouted a court travel ban. Now, Juan Guaido says he is headed back home to Venezuela in another challenge to President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido, recognised by most Western nations as the country's legitimate leader, slipped into neighbouring Colombia last week to lead an ultimately failed effort to bring humanitarian aid into the crisis-stricken country. After meeting with regional leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence in Bogota, Guaido is expected to come back through the porous border in the coming days and resume his political activities in open defiance of a Supreme Court order. "I'm going to return to Caracas this week," Guaido said in an interview with NTN24 broadcast on Tuesday. "My role and my duty is to be in Caracas despite the risks." He travelled last week from Caracas across the country in a caravan and then slipped into Colombia via back roads along the 2,200 km (1,367 miles) border, according to Colombian local media. Guaido said he received help from members of Venezuela's armed forces. Representatives for Guaido declined to disclose a timetable for his return or whether he will return the same way. To return via an official route would pose an even more brazen challenge to Maduro's authority. Maduro has faced regional condemnation this week for violently driving back the opposition's attempts to bring in humanitarian aid. He denies there is a crisis despite overseeing a hyperinflationary economic meltdown that has spawned widespread food and medicine shortages. Guaido's return will force Maduro to decide whether to risk even greater international outrage by attempting to arrest the 35-year old Congress chief or to allow him to openly disregard state institutions linked to the ruling Socialist Party. "Trying to manage the Guaido situation has become a real problem for the government because (Guaido) has grown so much politically," said Luis Salamanca, a political scientist and constitutional law professor at Venezuela's Central University. Guaido invoked articles of the constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, declaring Maduro a usurper following his 2018 re-election in a vote widely boycotted by the opposition. State institutions including the chief prosecutor's office, the Supreme Court, and the comptroller's officer - all openly allied with Maduro - responded by opening investigations of Guaido. But no state institution has sought his arrest or even formally accused him of a crime. So far authorities have only frozen his local bank accounts and prohibited foreign travel. The ruling Socialist Party has in the past clipped the wings of opposition politicians, particularly charismatic challengers, by accusing them of irregularities in managing state funds. Maduro said in an ABC News interview released on Tuesday that Guaido's fate was up to the justice system: "He can't just come and go. He will have to face justice, and justice prohibited him from leaving the country. I will respect the laws." Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Guaido said his team had a strategy should he be detained, without giving details on what that was. "A prisoner doesn't do anyone any good but neither does an exiled president so we are in uncharted waters here," he said. KEEPING UP MOMENTUM Many Venezuelans credit Guaido, a fresh face, with capturing the international community's attention through his bold move to swear himself in as interim president, galvanizing a once-fractured and weary opposition. Maduro, who has described his rival as a US-backed puppet, now faces severe international pressure including US sanctions meant to cripple the OPEC nation's vital oil industry. "I hope he returns because he has shown himself to be a politician with strength, who has given us hope," said Martha Sanchez, 65, a receptionist who has lost a third of her weight due to hyperinflation that has left her struggling to buy food on a minimum wage equivalent to less than $10 per month. Guaido's attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country had, in particular, fuelled her hope as she has been unable to find hypertension pills for sale over the past two months. "No other candidate called for humanitarian aid before," she said. To be sure, Guaido's team also faces a conundrum after that effort failed, allowing Maduro to declare victory even as the images of troops firing tear gas on convoys carrying aid sparked anger around the world. Guaido's team has won control over crucial offshore assets including US-based refiner Citgo but still does not control the ports or central bank, or, most crucially, the armed forces. "If he doesn't keep up momentum, he will end up being another failed leader of the opposition," said Jesus Barreto, a 21-year old student. "He needs to keep challenging the government." Maduro's government has largely allowed him to carry out political activities including rallies and press conferences and appears unwilling to imprison him - even now that he has openly flouted a legal restriction placed upon him. "I think they will hold off because it is much more sustainable over time to make your opponent seem ineffective than making yourself appear more like a dictator, especially when there is so much focus on you," said Raul Gallegos, an analyst with the consultancy Control Risks.

Opposition leader Guaido's return to Venezuela to mark brazen defiance of Maduro

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro.

"Attention Venezuela: We officially announce that the first shipment of humanitarian aid has now entered our border with Brazil. This is a great achievement, Venezuela!" wrote Guaido in a tweet.

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis in the country.

Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him.

However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves.

Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Gauido announced Saturday that the first shipment of humanitarian aid had entered Venezuela through its border with Brazil, defying a blockade by President Nicolas Maduro. "Attention Venezuela: We officially announce that the first shipment of humanitarian aid has now entered our border with Brazil. This is a great achievement, Venezuela!" wrote Guaido in a tweet. Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis in the country. Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him. However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. (With inputs from news agencies)

Aid shipment enters Venezuela via Brazil border: Juan Guaido

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid.

"We want to work!" people chanted as they faced Venezuelan National Guard riot police blocking the crossing at the Urena border brige to Colombia, one of several ordered closed Maduro late Friday.&nbsp;

Also report: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Colombian</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168"> border</a>

Meanwhile, four National Guard troops deserted their posts near the border, one greeted by a crowd of cheering Venezuelans on the Colombian side as he walked across. Three others smashed through a security barrier on the Simon Bolivar bridge crossing in their jeep.

Supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia are planning to cross the border carrying emergency supplies into Venezuela. Guaido has vowed humanitarian aid would enter his country despite a blockade.

Socialist leader Maduro has rejected the aid, which he's dismissed as a show and pretext for a US invasion.

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago Saturday. Guaido has accused Maduro of rigging his re-election and is demanding a new vote.

Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day.

On the eve of the face-off, Guaido defied a government ban on leaving the country and attended the "Venezuela Live Aid" concert organized by British billionaire Richard Branson just over the border in Colombia. The concert is aimed at raising funds to help the relief effort.

Guaido sensationally claimed that the Venezuelan military, whose high command has repeatedly declared absolute loyalty to Maduro, "participated in this process" to get him into Colombia.

Hours later, Caracas said it had closed much of the Colombian border, citing threats to Venezuela's security.

Guaido said that aid would come in on Saturday regardless of any military blockade.

His supporters plan to drive the aid from Colombia into Venezuela at the closed border crossings supported by a flood of volunteers and accompanied by Catholic priests in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Colombia and Venezuela share a 2,200 kilometer-long (1,370 miles) border, and trucks carrying aid could also drive across some of the countless illegal dirt roads that link the two countries across the porous border.

Two killed

On Friday the tense stand-off turned deadly when two people were killed and 15 wounded as they tried to prevent Venezuelan troops from blocking an entry point on the Brazilian border.

"An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape.

The clash occurred in southeastern Bolivar state near to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday.

Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible."

"It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Venezuelan authorities to refrain from using lethal force against protesters.

The United States "strongly condemns the Venezuelan military's use of force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers" on the border with Brazil, the White House said. "The world is watching," the statement added.

Early Saturday two large trucks carrying eight tonnes of emergency aid left Boa Vista in Brazil en route to the Venezuelan border. The vehicles are driven by Venezuelans and escorted by Brazilian police, organizers said.

Battle of the bands

The "Venezuela Live Aid" concert, which featured some of the biggest names in Spanish-language music, was broadcast live online.

Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations. Meanwhile, aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban.

Guaido rallied his supporters when he showed up at the concert on Friday joined by Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay. The leaders greeted the crowd before the concert ended.

Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Cuban and local artists, began hours later nearby on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena.&nbsp;

Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance.

"We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez.

Maduro said the event would last until Sunday.

Maduro, who has support from China, Russia and the military high command, accuses the United States of plotting a military intervention.

Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action."

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday to disperse a crowd demanding to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border, ordered closed by President Nicolas Maduro as tensions in the Latin American country soared ahead of an opposition deadline to bring in humanitarian aid. "We want to work!" people chanted as they faced Venezuelan National Guard riot police blocking the crossing at the Urena border brige to Colombia, one of several ordered closed Maduro late Friday. Also report: Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border Meanwhile, four National Guard troops deserted their posts near the border, one greeted by a crowd of cheering Venezuelans on the Colombian side as he walked across. Three others smashed through a security barrier on the Simon Bolivar bridge crossing in their jeep. Supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia are planning to cross the border carrying emergency supplies into Venezuela. Guaido has vowed humanitarian aid would enter his country despite a blockade. Socialist leader Maduro has rejected the aid, which he's dismissed as a show and pretext for a US invasion. Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago Saturday. Guaido has accused Maduro of rigging his re-election and is demanding a new vote. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. On the eve of the face-off, Guaido defied a government ban on leaving the country and attended the "Venezuela Live Aid" concert organized by British billionaire Richard Branson just over the border in Colombia. The concert is aimed at raising funds to help the relief effort. Guaido sensationally claimed that the Venezuelan military, whose high command has repeatedly declared absolute loyalty to Maduro, "participated in this process" to get him into Colombia. Hours later, Caracas said it had closed much of the Colombian border, citing threats to Venezuela's security. Guaido said that aid would come in on Saturday regardless of any military blockade. His supporters plan to drive the aid from Colombia into Venezuela at the closed border crossings supported by a flood of volunteers and accompanied by Catholic priests in an attempt to avoid arrest. Colombia and Venezuela share a 2,200 kilometer-long (1,370 miles) border, and trucks carrying aid could also drive across some of the countless illegal dirt roads that link the two countries across the porous border. Two killed On Friday the tense stand-off turned deadly when two people were killed and 15 wounded as they tried to prevent Venezuelan troops from blocking an entry point on the Brazilian border. "An indigenous woman and her husband were killed and at least 15 other members of the Pemon indigenous community were injured," said a local human rights group, Kape Kape. The clash occurred in southeastern Bolivar state near to the border with Brazil, which Maduro ordered closed on Thursday. Guaido called on the military to arrest those responsible for the killings, "or you will be responsible." "It wasn't a clash, it was an attack," said Salomon Perez, who accompanied a brother and two nieces suffering from gunshot wounds by ambulance to a hospital in Brazil. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Venezuelan authorities to refrain from using lethal force against protesters. The United States "strongly condemns the Venezuelan military's use of force against unarmed civilians and innocent volunteers" on the border with Brazil, the White House said. "The world is watching," the statement added. Early Saturday two large trucks carrying eight tonnes of emergency aid left Boa Vista in Brazil en route to the Venezuelan border. The vehicles are driven by Venezuelans and escorted by Brazilian police, organizers said. Battle of the bands The "Venezuela Live Aid" concert, which featured some of the biggest names in Spanish-language music, was broadcast live online. Branson said he hopes to raise $100 million for humanitarian aid over the next 60 days via internet donations. Meanwhile, aid is being stockpiled in Colombia, Brazil and the Caribbean island of Curacao because of Maduro's ban. Guaido rallied his supporters when he showed up at the concert on Friday joined by Colombian President Ivan Duque, Chile's Sebastian Pinera and Mario Abdo of Paraguay. The leaders greeted the crowd before the concert ended. Maduro's rival concert, decidedly smaller and featuring Cuban and local artists, began hours later nearby on the Venezuelan side of the border in Urena. Performers took to the stage against a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words "#Trump Hands off Venezuela," with around 2,500 people in attendance. "We don't want to be interfered with, we don't want to be invaded," said Johana Suarez. Maduro said the event would last until Sunday. Maduro, who has support from China, Russia and the military high command, accuses the United States of plotting a military intervention. Moscow has blasted Washington for using aid as a "convenient pretext for conducting military action."

Venezuela set for aid showdown as Guaido claims military help

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro has shuttered borders as opposition leaders prepare to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela against the wishes of the ruling Socialist Party.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-new-sanctions-on-venezuela-if-aid-convoys-blocked-top-official-199117">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-new-sanctions-on-venezuela-if-aid-convoys-blocked-top-official-199117"> threatens new sanctions on Venezuela if aid convoys blocked</a>

The move to close the border was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123">Russia accuses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-to-arm-opposition-in-venezuela-199123"> of planning to arm opposition in Venezuela</a>

Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis.

Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him.

However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuela-needs-to-tackle-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-the-border-199126">Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis</a> that has seen poverty soar during years of recession.

As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido.

United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has shuttered borders as opposition leaders prepare to bring humanitarian aid into Venezuela against the wishes of the ruling Socialist Party. Also read: US threatens new sanctions on Venezuela if aid convoys blocked The move to close the border was taken hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered communications to be shut off with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao islands and closed the border with Brazil, to stop the entry of humanitarian aid amassed there. Also read: Russia accuses US of planning to arm opposition in Venezuela Humanitarian aid has become the centrepiece of the stand-off between Maduro and Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly who declared himself interim president exactly one month ago sparking a President legitimacy crisis. Guaido also called the Maduro's 2018 reelections invalid and the body that elevated him. However, Maduro's government says, the current crisis is a coup attempt led by the United States to topple him and control the country's vast oil reserves. Venezuela is gripped by a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during years of recession. As many as 300,000 Venezuelans are in dire need of food and medicine after years of shortages and malnutrition, according to Guaido. United Nations figures show that some 2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 amid the crisis, and some 5,000 Venezuelans emigrate from their country each day. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/300-tons-of-humanitarian-aid-from-russia-to-arrive-in-venezuela-198285">humanitarian aid</a>.

Guaido, who is recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, was poised for a showdown with Maduro's government on Saturday, when the opposition will attempt to bring in food and medicine being stockpiled in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Maduro denies there is a humanitarian crisis and said on Thursday he was considering closing Venezuela's key border with Colombia and would close the country's other main border with Brazil, effectively shutting off any legal land access.

The government has said soldiers will be stationed at official crossing points to repel any "territorial violations", although the opposition could attempt to cross anywhere along Venezuela's porous borders.

"I charge (Colombian President) Ivan Duque with any violence that might occur on the border," Maduro said in televised comments, surrounded by the military high command.

Venezuela has already closed its maritime border with the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire, after Curacao's government said it would help store aid.

Opposition lawmakers set off from Caracas in a convoy of buses just after 10 a.m. on a 800-km (500-mile) road trip to the border with Colombia. Crowds formed alongside a main highway out of the capital, waving Venezuelan flags and whooping in support.

A roadblock at a tunnel some 100 km (60 miles) along the main road forced several buses to stop, Reuters witnesses and lawmakers said. Lawmakers trying to get through scuffled with soldiers in riot gear at the tunnel's exit, TV footage showed.

"We have a commitment and that is to reach the border. We will try to get as far as we can," lawmaker Mariela Magallanes told Reuters by telephone from the scene. "Humanitarian aid is not the whim of a few lawmakers, it is a necessity."

Magallanes said her vehicle managed to pass through the tunnel after being stuck for several hours but other buses remained behind.

Lawmakers said Guaido's vehicle continued but his exact location was being kept a secret due to security concerns.

One opposition lawmaker in southeastern Bolivar state said he and some 20 other politicians would also travel to the border with Brazil.

The Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment.

Guaido still has not provided details on how the aid could come in. Opposition figures have suggested forming human chains across the land borders to pass packages from person to person and fleets of boats arriving from the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Will military turn? 

The opposition says it is rallying relief efforts in Venezuela to alleviate widespread food and medicine shortages in the wake of its hyperinflationary economic collapse. The oil-rich economy has halved in size in five years.

Tons of aid sent by the US&nbsp;and Colombian governments is sitting in warehouses on the Colombian side of the border. Guaido tweeted late on Thursday that Chile was also airlifting supplies there, while Brazil's government said it was sending aid to its own border.

Meanwhile a boat carrying 250 tons of aid left Puerto Rico's capital of San Juan headed for Venezuela on Wednesday, the local government said in a statement.

Maduro accuses the Trump administration, which has levied crippling sanctions against his government, of seeking to force his ouster.

The US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, will lead a government delegation accompanying the delivery of aid from Florida to Cucuta via military aircraft between Thursday and Friday, the Department of State said.

Meanwhile, the office of US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said he would fly to the Colombian capital, Bogota, on Monday to discuss the crisis with leaders of the regional Lima Group of nations.&nbsp;

Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on Jan. 23 and denounces Maduro as an usurper. Maduro still retains the support of powerful nations like Russia and China, as well as the key backing of the military.

Some political analysts say Saturday's border showdown is less about resolving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military`s loyalty by daring it to turn aid away.

"It's part of this calculus that sees the military as leading a transition in Venezuela," said Geoff Ramsey at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a thinktank. 
Guaido has offered amnesty to military officers who disavow Maduro, though few have so far done so.

Former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, who Washington accused of involvement in the drug trade a decade ago, released a social media video on Thursday offering his support for Guaido. Carvajal distanced himself from Maduro in 2017 by opposing the creation of an all-powerful legislature.

"I'm sure that Venezuela will soon return to democracy ... How this happens depends on you, brothers in arms," he said, addressing the military.

Gustavo Marcano, senior aide to the opposition's envoy to Washington, told reporters in the US&nbsp;capital on Thursday that 11 diplomats in the United States have defected from Maduro's government since Guaido declared himself interim president.

Bank accounts for Venezuelan embassies and consulates in the United States had been frozen, he said.

&nbsp;

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive humanitarian aid.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro threatened to close the border with Colombia on Thursday as opposition leader Juan Guaido and some 80 lawmakers ran a gauntlet of roadblocks trying to get to the frontier to receive humanitarian aid. Guaido, who is recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, was poised for a showdown with Maduro's government on Saturday, when the opposition will attempt to bring in food and medicine being stockpiled in neighbouring countries. Maduro denies there is a humanitarian crisis and said on Thursday he was considering closing Venezuela's key border with Colombia and would close the country's other main border with Brazil, effectively shutting off any legal land access. The government has said soldiers will be stationed at official crossing points to repel any "territorial violations", although the opposition could attempt to cross anywhere along Venezuela's porous borders. "I charge (Colombian President) Ivan Duque with any violence that might occur on the border," Maduro said in televised comments, surrounded by the military high command. Venezuela has already closed its maritime border with the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire, after Curacao's government said it would help store aid. Opposition lawmakers set off from Caracas in a convoy of buses just after 10 a.m. on a 800-km (500-mile) road trip to the border with Colombia. Crowds formed alongside a main highway out of the capital, waving Venezuelan flags and whooping in support. A roadblock at a tunnel some 100 km (60 miles) along the main road forced several buses to stop, Reuters witnesses and lawmakers said. Lawmakers trying to get through scuffled with soldiers in riot gear at the tunnel's exit, TV footage showed. "We have a commitment and that is to reach the border. We will try to get as far as we can," lawmaker Mariela Magallanes told Reuters by telephone from the scene. "Humanitarian aid is not the whim of a few lawmakers, it is a necessity." Magallanes said her vehicle managed to pass through the tunnel after being stuck for several hours but other buses remained behind. Lawmakers said Guaido's vehicle continued but his exact location was being kept a secret due to security concerns. One opposition lawmaker in southeastern Bolivar state said he and some 20 other politicians would also travel to the border with Brazil. The Information Ministry did not respond to a request to comment. Guaido still has not provided details on how the aid could come in. Opposition figures have suggested forming human chains across the land borders to pass packages from person to person and fleets of boats arriving from the Dutch Caribbean islands. Will military turn? The opposition says it is rallying relief efforts in Venezuela to alleviate widespread food and medicine shortages in the wake of its hyperinflationary economic collapse. The oil-rich economy has halved in size in five years. Tons of aid sent by the US and Colombian governments is sitting in warehouses on the Colombian side of the border. Guaido tweeted late on Thursday that Chile was also airlifting supplies there, while Brazil's government said it was sending aid to its own border. Meanwhile a boat carrying 250 tons of aid left Puerto Rico's capital of San Juan headed for Venezuela on Wednesday, the local government said in a statement. Maduro accuses the Trump administration, which has levied crippling sanctions against his government, of seeking to force his ouster. The US special envoy for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, will lead a government delegation accompanying the delivery of aid from Florida to Cucuta via military aircraft between Thursday and Friday, the Department of State said. Meanwhile, the office of US Vice President Mike Pence said he would fly to the Colombian capital, Bogota, on Monday to discuss the crisis with leaders of the regional Lima Group of nations. Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on Jan. 23 and denounces Maduro as an usurper. Maduro still retains the support of powerful nations like Russia and China, as well as the key backing of the military. Some political analysts say Saturday's border showdown is less about resolving Venezuela's needs and more about testing the military`s loyalty by daring it to turn aid away. "It's part of this calculus that sees the military as leading a transition in Venezuela," said Geoff Ramsey at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a thinktank. Guaido has offered amnesty to military officers who disavow Maduro, though few have so far done so. Former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, who Washington accused of involvement in the drug trade a decade ago, released a social media video on Thursday offering his support for Guaido. Carvajal distanced himself from Maduro in 2017 by opposing the creation of an all-powerful legislature. "I'm sure that Venezuela will soon return to democracy ... How this happens depends on you, brothers in arms," he said, addressing the military. Gustavo Marcano, senior aide to the opposition's envoy to Washington, told reporters in the US capital on Thursday that 11 diplomats in the United States have defected from Maduro's government since Guaido declared himself interim president. Bank accounts for Venezuelan embassies and consulates in the United States had been frozen, he said.

Venezuela's Maduro starts shutting borders to block humanitarian aid

Five European lawmakers who were expelled from Venezuela said Monday they would try to re-enter the country via Colombia along with a shipment of humanitarian aid sent by the United States.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-lawmakers-invited-by-venezuelas-guaido-barred-from-entering-197994">European Parliament members were tossed out of Venezuela</a> with no explanation on Sunday shortly after they arrived in Caracas, according to Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons who led the group.

But after he returned to Madrid, Pons said he received a phone call from Colombia's foreign minister inviting the five to go to his country on Saturday.

"We have accepted the invitation and... we are going to try to cross over with rations and medicine from Cucuta," Pons told reporters in Madrid, referring to the Colombian border city where US humanitarian aid is being stockpiled for planned delivery to Venezuela.

The expulsion of the lawmakers is the latest point of tension between the international community and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is in the grip of a power struggle with opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month.

Pons said the five had been invited by Guaido to visit Venezuela. The delegation included two other Spanish lawmakers as well as one each from Portugal and the Netherlands.

Writing on Twitter, Guaido said the MEPs had been "deported by an isolated and increasingly irrational regime".

Both Spain and France have condemned Venezuela's decision to kick them out.

Five European lawmakers who were expelled from Venezuela said Monday they would try to re-enter the country via Colombia along with a shipment of humanitarian aid sent by the United States.

Five European lawmakers who were expelled from Venezuela said Monday they would try to re-enter the country via Colombia along with a shipment of humanitarian aid sent by the United States. The European Parliament members were tossed out of Venezuela with no explanation on Sunday shortly after they arrived in Caracas, according to Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons who led the group. But after he returned to Madrid, Pons said he received a phone call from Colombia's foreign minister inviting the five to go to his country on Saturday. "We have accepted the invitation and... we are going to try to cross over with rations and medicine from Cucuta," Pons told reporters in Madrid, referring to the Colombian border city where US humanitarian aid is being stockpiled for planned delivery to Venezuela. The expulsion of the lawmakers is the latest point of tension between the international community and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is in the grip of a power struggle with opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who proclaimed himself interim president last month. Pons said the five had been invited by Guaido to visit Venezuela. The delegation included two other Spanish lawmakers as well as one each from Portugal and the Netherlands. Writing on Twitter, Guaido said the MEPs had been "deported by an isolated and increasingly irrational regime". Both Spain and France have condemned Venezuela's decision to kick them out.

Expelled EU lawmakers plan to re-enter Venezuela via Colombia

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines.

"On Wednesday, 300 tons of aid and humanitarian assistance will, legally, arrive from Russia at the Maiquetia (International) Airport (which serves Caracas)," he said in a presidential council which was broadcast on radio and television on a mandatory basis.&nbsp;

He indicated that this aid was paid for by the executive and indicated that his government is receiving "technical assistance" from the United Nations (UN).

The president said that was possible that in the next few days there will be an announcement made by several countries to offer their support, through the UN, to Venezuela.

He also insisted that the donations made by the United States and Colombia at the request of the Venezuelan Parliament, which has an opposition majority, and that is blocked at the border, are expired and contaminated food.

"The humanitarian aid is a 'show', a booby trap. They stole from us $30 billion and offer us $20 million of rotten, contaminated food, in order to try to intervene in Venezuela," he said while asking the Colombian president, Ivan Duque, and the American, Donald Trump, to drop the "madness."

Maduro's announcement came on a day when his communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said that he will take food and medical treatment to the Colombian city of Cucuta due to the poverty that its residents suffer.

Cucuta is one of the collection centres for humanitarian aid requested by the Venezuelan Parliament, but Maduro refuses to accept it on the grounds that it may lead to a foreign invasion, especially after the ignoring of his new term in office following his election in polls branded as fraudulent.

For this reason, and after the head of the Parliament, Juan Guaido, was proclaimed interim president because Maduro was considered illegitimate, almost 50 countries have also recognized Guaido as the country's leader.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that 300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia will arrive in the country later this week, an announcement made at a time when the opposition is pressing for the entry of donations from other countries amid a shortage of medicines. "On Wednesday, 300 tons of aid and humanitarian assistance will, legally, arrive from Russia at the Maiquetia (International) Airport (which serves Caracas)," he said in a presidential council which was broadcast on radio and television on a mandatory basis. He indicated that this aid was paid for by the executive and indicated that his government is receiving "technical assistance" from the United Nations (UN). The president said that was possible that in the next few days there will be an announcement made by several countries to offer their support, through the UN, to Venezuela. He also insisted that the donations made by the United States and Colombia at the request of the Venezuelan Parliament, which has an opposition majority, and that is blocked at the border, are expired and contaminated food. "The humanitarian aid is a 'show', a booby trap. They stole from us $30 billion and offer us $20 million of rotten, contaminated food, in order to try to intervene in Venezuela," he said while asking the Colombian president, Ivan Duque, and the American, Donald Trump, to drop the "madness." Maduro's announcement came on a day when his communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said that he will take food and medical treatment to the Colombian city of Cucuta due to the poverty that its residents suffer. Cucuta is one of the collection centres for humanitarian aid requested by the Venezuelan Parliament, but Maduro refuses to accept it on the grounds that it may lead to a foreign invasion, especially after the ignoring of his new term in office following his election in polls branded as fraudulent. For this reason, and after the head of the Parliament, Juan Guaido, was proclaimed interim president because Maduro was considered illegitimate, almost 50 countries have also recognized Guaido as the country's leader.

300 tons of humanitarian aid from Russia to arrive in Venezuela

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-enlists-50-countries-at-un-to-show-support-197489">aid to Venezuela</a>, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition.

Venezuela is plagued by hyperinflation and major shortages of basic goods, and two men -- <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/showdown-looms-as-venezuelan-opposition-leader-guaido-sets-aid-entry-date-197058">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> and President Nicolas Maduro -- are vying for control of the country.

The United States is among more than 50 countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president, but Maduro -- backed by the country's military as well as Russia, China and dozens of other states -- has so far refused to relinquish his office.

US national security advisor John Bolton made the announcement on the aid pledged to Venezuela following an Organization of American States conference on assisting the country.

"Today, 25 countries, united at the OAS-hosted Conference on Humanitarian Assistance in Support of Venezuela pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance," Bolton tweeted.

According to David Smolanksy, coordinator of an OAS working group on migration and refugees from Venezuela, the money will go directly to aid collection centres set up on the borders with Colombia and Brazil and on the Caribbean island of Curazao.

At the opening of the conference in Washington, Guaido's representative in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, said the priority is to get aid into Venezuela on February 23 -- a month after Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim president.

Blockade at the border&nbsp;

Guaido and Maduro have been locked in a battle over allowing aid into the country, and the military reinforced a blockade on Thursday at the border with Colombia, where the opposition leader has vowed to bring in desperately-needed goods.

AFP journalists saw several new freight containers blocking the road that connects the town of Urena in Venezuela to Cucuta in Colombia, where tons of US aid has been piling up for a week.

Venezuela is enduring the biggest economic crisis in its modern history, with hyperinflation predicted to hit 10 million per cent this year according to the International Monetary Fund.

On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled National Assembly -- which is headed by Guaido -- appointed executives to form new boards for Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA and its US-based affiliate Citgo.

Venezuela's Supreme Court took aim at the move the following day, ordering that the new appointees face criminal prosecution.

The high court -- which is packed with Maduro loyalists -- ruled that the executives were named by a legislature whose decisions are "null," and that the appointees should face prosecution for crimes including "usurpation," "corruption," "organized crime" and "terrorism."

The Supreme Court decision set in motion the process of extraditing the accused, most of whom are in the United States, and freezing their accounts.

Guaido celebrated the appointments as a "step forward in the reconstruction of PDVSA," but Maduro had warned that those accepting "illegal" appointments would face justice.

The United States, which is leading the push to topple Maduro, has sanctioned key regime financial assets including the Citgo subsidiary, and President Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against the leftist leader.

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in aid to Venezuela, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition.

Twenty-five countries have pledged $100 million in aid to Venezuela, a top US official said Thursday, as the crisis-hit country's Supreme Court took aim at oil executives appointed by the opposition. Venezuela is plagued by hyperinflation and major shortages of basic goods, and two men -- opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro -- are vying for control of the country. The United States is among more than 50 countries that have recognized Guaido as interim president, but Maduro -- backed by the country's military as well as Russia, China and dozens of other states -- has so far refused to relinquish his office. US national security advisor John Bolton made the announcement on the aid pledged to Venezuela following an Organization of American States conference on assisting the country. "Today, 25 countries, united at the OAS-hosted Conference on Humanitarian Assistance in Support of Venezuela pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance," Bolton tweeted. According to David Smolanksy, coordinator of an OAS working group on migration and refugees from Venezuela, the money will go directly to aid collection centres set up on the borders with Colombia and Brazil and on the Caribbean island of Curazao. At the opening of the conference in Washington, Guaido's representative in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, said the priority is to get aid into Venezuela on February 23 -- a month after Guaido declared himself Venezuela's interim president. Blockade at the border Guaido and Maduro have been locked in a battle over allowing aid into the country, and the military reinforced a blockade on Thursday at the border with Colombia, where the opposition leader has vowed to bring in desperately-needed goods. AFP journalists saw several new freight containers blocking the road that connects the town of Urena in Venezuela to Cucuta in Colombia, where tons of US aid has been piling up for a week. Venezuela is enduring the biggest economic crisis in its modern history, with hyperinflation predicted to hit 10 million per cent this year according to the International Monetary Fund. On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled National Assembly -- which is headed by Guaido -- appointed executives to form new boards for Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA and its US-based affiliate Citgo. Venezuela's Supreme Court took aim at the move the following day, ordering that the new appointees face criminal prosecution. The high court -- which is packed with Maduro loyalists -- ruled that the executives were named by a legislature whose decisions are "null," and that the appointees should face prosecution for crimes including "usurpation," "corruption," "organized crime" and "terrorism." The Supreme Court decision set in motion the process of extraditing the accused, most of whom are in the United States, and freezing their accounts. Guaido celebrated the appointments as a "step forward in the reconstruction of PDVSA," but Maduro had warned that those accepting "illegal" appointments would face justice. The United States, which is leading the push to topple Maduro, has sanctioned key regime financial assets including the Citgo subsidiary, and President Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against the leftist leader.

25 countries pledge $100 million in humanitarian aid to crisis-hit Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in.

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans had protested in the streets nationwide on Tuesday to demand that Maduro allow aid into the country, where food and medicine shortages are rife.

Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military.

An aid convoy supplied by the United States and Colombia arrived in the Colombian border town of Cucuta last week, where it is being held in warehouses. A Venezuelan opposition envoy has also said Brazil's government would try to get humanitarian aid to the border.

Maduro has denounced the aid as a US-orchestrated show to overthrow his socialist government and said it will not be let into the country. He has demanded instead that Washington lift economic sanctions.

On Tuesday, Guaido said he was issuing a "direct order" to the armed forces to allow the aid in, though so far there are not clear signs the military will disobey Maduro. Guaido did not specify from where aid would enter, but said the opposition would go in a convoy to safeguard the supplies.

Guaido, who has galvanised the opposition after several years of in-fighting and government crackdowns, vows to keep calling protests to pressure Maduro to step down so new presidential elections can be held.

On Monday, Guaido announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid, including vitamin and nutritional supplements for children and pregnant women, to a network of health centres. He did not explain how it had entered the country and said it was a small-scale donation.

Maduro's adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and ravaged the nation's economy through nationalisations and a corruption-riddled exchange control system. Maduro counters that he is victim of an "economic war."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told a huge rally of supporters on Tuesday that humanitarian aid would enter the country on February 23, setting the stage for a showdown with President Nicolas Maduro who has refused to let supplies in. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans had protested in the streets nationwide on Tuesday to demand that Maduro allow aid into the country, where food and medicine shortages are rife. Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, but Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China as well as control of state institutions including the military. An aid convoy supplied by the United States and Colombia arrived in the Colombian border town of Cucuta last week, where it is being held in warehouses. A Venezuelan opposition envoy has also said Brazil's government would try to get humanitarian aid to the border. Maduro has denounced the aid as a US-orchestrated show to overthrow his socialist government and said it will not be let into the country. He has demanded instead that Washington lift economic sanctions. On Tuesday, Guaido said he was issuing a "direct order" to the armed forces to allow the aid in, though so far there are not clear signs the military will disobey Maduro. Guaido did not specify from where aid would enter, but said the opposition would go in a convoy to safeguard the supplies. Guaido, who has galvanised the opposition after several years of in-fighting and government crackdowns, vows to keep calling protests to pressure Maduro to step down so new presidential elections can be held. On Monday, Guaido announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid, including vitamin and nutritional supplements for children and pregnant women, to a network of health centres. He did not explain how it had entered the country and said it was a small-scale donation. Maduro's adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and ravaged the nation's economy through nationalisations and a corruption-riddled exchange control system. Maduro counters that he is victim of an "economic war."

Showdown looms as Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido sets aid entry date

The crisis that Venezuela is going through has caused a famine on such a scale that it merits the immediate opening of a humanitarian aid corridor into the country, a young politician currently living in exile in neighbouring Colombia has said in an exclusive interview published by EFE on Monday.

The 33-year-old Gaby Arellano, who entered parliament three years ago, belongs to the same Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) political party as interim president Juan Guaidó and who had to go into exile in April, said that in her opinion the levels of hunger and privation in her country are as bad as those in countries at war or which have been hit by natural disasters.

"Unfortunately humanitarian corridors are activated in countries at war or with natural disasters, neither of which has happened in our country, but it really has to be initiated because the famine here exceeds that of many such countries," the exiled lawmaker told EFE in Cúcuta, across the border in Colombia.

More than 61 per cent of Venezuelans descended into poverty and lost more than 10 kilos in body weight in 2017, according to a Survey on Living Conditions (Encovi) carried out annually by the country's main universities and which was published last month.

Arellano had to flee into exile to avoid arrest for having backed a Supreme Court ruling stating that Maduro should be put on trial.

She is the lawmaker who has been entrusted by Guaidó, who has so far been recognized by some 40 countries as interim president of Venezuela, to receive international humanitarian aid in the border city of Cúcuta.

The first batch of aid arrived there on Thursday and, according to Arellano, tons more food aid will begin to flow in soon.

"We are working with two more countries that are to begin sending aid via Colombia and want to open other crossing points at our country's borders, not just here in Cúcuta," she said. "This town has the largest collection centre and has been prepared with facilities for coping with a process like this," she added.

Arellano said that Guaidó is to "make important announcements" on Tuesday on the entry of humanitarian aid into Venezuela and will explain "how and when."

Youth Day is to be celebrated then and Guaidó has called for the public to mobilize against Nicolás Maduro, whom he considers a "usurper" of the presidency, Arellano said.

Arellano added that dozens of volunteers were working at a collection centre on Tienditas bridge, a modern structure that unites Venezuela to Colombia which has yet to be opened by the Maduro government. She said that the regime has refused to receive aid because Maduro considers it to be a political show.

The bridge was inaugurated in 2016 but has remained unused due to constant border closures, local residents have told EFE.

"The usurping regime seeks, by every means, to misinform, demotivate and divide our efforts and president Guaidó works tirelessly to unite, to be consistent, to be responsible, to work on a strategy that will advance things at a steady pace," she said.

Arellano said she was convinced that it will be the people of Venezuela who will go out to tear down "the walls of the dictatorship," referring to two containers and a cistern truck that have been placed across Tienditas bridge to prevent its use.

"We are convinced that today there is an overwhelming need to trigger a popular mobilization," she said.

Arellano said that while Guaidó had popular and international support, he now just needs Venezuela's army, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), to recognize him as their only commander in chief.

"There is a plan, there is a route, inside and outside the country, I think that has to be emphasized," she said.

She also criticized Maduro for saying that there was no crisis in his country, like for example when he gave a press conference on Friday at the Miraflores Palace presidential residence.

"What can there be left for the rest of the Venezuelan people if the lights go out during a live broadcast by Maduro in the Miraflores Palace," she asked. "That was a clear sign of the decay that exists in our country."

The crisis that Venezuela is going through has caused a famine on such a scale that it merits the immediate opening of a humanitarian aid corridor into the country, a young politician currently living in exile in neighbouring Colombia has said in an exclusive interview published by EFE on Monday.

The crisis that Venezuela is going through has caused a famine on such a scale that it merits the immediate opening of a humanitarian aid corridor into the country, a young politician currently living in exile in neighbouring Colombia has said in an exclusive interview published by EFE on Monday. The 33-year-old Gaby Arellano, who entered parliament three years ago, belongs to the same Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) political party as interim president Juan Guaidó and who had to go into exile in April, said that in her opinion the levels of hunger and privation in her country are as bad as those in countries at war or which have been hit by natural disasters. "Unfortunately humanitarian corridors are activated in countries at war or with natural disasters, neither of which has happened in our country, but it really has to be initiated because the famine here exceeds that of many such countries," the exiled lawmaker told EFE in Cúcuta, across the border in Colombia. More than 61 per cent of Venezuelans descended into poverty and lost more than 10 kilos in body weight in 2017, according to a Survey on Living Conditions (Encovi) carried out annually by the country's main universities and which was published last month. Arellano had to flee into exile to avoid arrest for having backed a Supreme Court ruling stating that Maduro should be put on trial. She is the lawmaker who has been entrusted by Guaidó, who has so far been recognized by some 40 countries as interim president of Venezuela, to receive international humanitarian aid in the border city of Cúcuta. The first batch of aid arrived there on Thursday and, according to Arellano, tons more food aid will begin to flow in soon. "We are working with two more countries that are to begin sending aid via Colombia and want to open other crossing points at our country's borders, not just here in Cúcuta," she said. "This town has the largest collection centre and has been prepared with facilities for coping with a process like this," she added. Arellano said that Guaidó is to "make important announcements" on Tuesday on the entry of humanitarian aid into Venezuela and will explain "how and when." Youth Day is to be celebrated then and Guaidó has called for the public to mobilize against Nicolás Maduro, whom he considers a "usurper" of the presidency, Arellano said. Arellano added that dozens of volunteers were working at a collection centre on Tienditas bridge, a modern structure that unites Venezuela to Colombia which has yet to be opened by the Maduro government. She said that the regime has refused to receive aid because Maduro considers it to be a political show. The bridge was inaugurated in 2016 but has remained unused due to constant border closures, local residents have told EFE. "The usurping regime seeks, by every means, to misinform, demotivate and divide our efforts and president Guaidó works tirelessly to unite, to be consistent, to be responsible, to work on a strategy that will advance things at a steady pace," she said. Arellano said she was convinced that it will be the people of Venezuela who will go out to tear down "the walls of the dictatorship," referring to two containers and a cistern truck that have been placed across Tienditas bridge to prevent its use. "We are convinced that today there is an overwhelming need to trigger a popular mobilization," she said. Arellano said that while Guaidó had popular and international support, he now just needs Venezuela's army, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), to recognize him as their only commander in chief. "There is a plan, there is a route, inside and outside the country, I think that has to be emphasized," she said. She also criticized Maduro for saying that there was no crisis in his country, like for example when he gave a press conference on Friday at the Miraflores Palace presidential residence. "What can there be left for the rest of the Venezuelan people if the lights go out during a live broadcast by Maduro in the Miraflores Palace," she asked. "That was a clear sign of the decay that exists in our country."

Exiled lawmaker: Hunger levels in Venezuela exceed those in countries at war

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-to-ask-oas-to-organise-elections-196773">Venezuela's opposition leader, Juan Guaido</a>, said on Monday his team had delivered a first cargo of the humanitarian aid that has become a flashpoint in his tussle with President Nicolas Maduro, without specifying how it had received it.

Guaido, who has been recognized by most Western nations as Venezuela's legitimate president over the past month, tweeted a photo of himself surrounded by stacks of white pots of vitamin and nutritional supplements. He did not say from where or whom they came.

Venezuela's opposition has been coordinating an effort by Western nations, companies and organizations to deliver aid to Venezuela where malnutrition and preventable disease have proliferated in recent years as the economy has nosedived.

Maduro has said this is part of a US-orchestrated strategy to undermine and ultimately overthrow him. He says he will not allow this "show."

Maduro on Monday launched a government programme to consolidate Venezuela's identity, aiming to improve exports. Under the slogan "Venezuela open to the future," it aims to enhance the tourist, commercial, economic and advertising activities of the country.

The United States last month recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader after he declared himself president. Guaido argued Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. The United States has since been joined by a majority of Western nations.

Venezuela's opposition leader, Juan Guaido, said on Monday his team had delivered a first cargo of the humanitarian aid that has become a flashpoint in his tussle with President Nicolas Maduro, without specifying how it had received it.

Venezuela's opposition leader, Juan Guaido, said on Monday his team had delivered a first cargo of the humanitarian aid that has become a flashpoint in his tussle with President Nicolas Maduro, without specifying how it had received it. Guaido, who has been recognized by most Western nations as Venezuela's legitimate president over the past month, tweeted a photo of himself surrounded by stacks of white pots of vitamin and nutritional supplements. He did not say from where or whom they came. Venezuela's opposition has been coordinating an effort by Western nations, companies and organizations to deliver aid to Venezuela where malnutrition and preventable disease have proliferated in recent years as the economy has nosedived. Maduro has said this is part of a US-orchestrated strategy to undermine and ultimately overthrow him. He says he will not allow this "show." Maduro on Monday launched a government programme to consolidate Venezuela's identity, aiming to improve exports. Under the slogan "Venezuela open to the future," it aims to enhance the tourist, commercial, economic and advertising activities of the country. The United States last month recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader after he declared himself president. Guaido argued Maduro's re-election last year was a sham. The United States has since been joined by a majority of Western nations.

Venezuela opposition leader Guaido delivers first cargo of humanitarian aid

A group of Venezuelan doctors demonstrated on the Colombian side of the border on Sunday as they demanded President Nicolas Maduro's government allow <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-aid-is-a-big-lie-venezuelan-vice-president-196432">humanitarian aid into their country</a>.

Amid a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has caused malnutrition and the exodus of millions of people, humanitarian aid has become a flashpoint in an intensifying political crisis.

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido said last week a global coalition that includes the United States was sending food and medicine to collection points in Colombia, Brazil and an undisclosed Caribbean island before delivering the aid into Venezuela.

But Maduro denies there is even a crisis, saying it is part of a US-directed plot to undermine and overthrow his government and has said his government will not let the aid in.

Venezuela's opposition has so far only publicly announced the arrival of aid in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, where it is now being stockpiled as Venezuelan authorities have made it clear they will not allow it to enter the country.

Doctors at the demonstration said the food and medicine from the aid could be immediately used to befit their patients.

A group of Venezuelan doctors demonstrated on the Colombian side of the border on Sunday as they demanded President Nicolas Maduro's government allow humanitarian aid into their country.

A group of Venezuelan doctors demonstrated on the Colombian side of the border on Sunday as they demanded President Nicolas Maduro's government allow humanitarian aid into their country. Amid a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has caused malnutrition and the exodus of millions of people, humanitarian aid has become a flashpoint in an intensifying political crisis. Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido said last week a global coalition that includes the United States was sending food and medicine to collection points in Colombia, Brazil and an undisclosed Caribbean island before delivering the aid into Venezuela. But Maduro denies there is even a crisis, saying it is part of a US-directed plot to undermine and overthrow his government and has said his government will not let the aid in. Venezuela's opposition has so far only publicly announced the arrival of aid in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, where it is now being stockpiled as Venezuelan authorities have made it clear they will not allow it to enter the country. Doctors at the demonstration said the food and medicine from the aid could be immediately used to befit their patients.

Venezuelan doctors demand government allow humanitarian aid

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