The White House on Friday warned Russia and other countries backing President Nicolas Maduro against sending troops and military equipment to Venezuela, saying the United States would view such actions as a "direct threat" to the region's security. We will continue to defend and protect the interests of the United States, and those of our partners in the Western Hemisphere," he said. Russia and China support Maduro, who has said Guaido is a puppet of Washington. Russia has said it sent "specialists" to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal but insisted they posed no threat to regional stability, brushing aside Trump's threat. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Friday it was prepared to channel such aid to Venezuela.

Source: The Star March 29, 2019 18:33 UTC