The Guardian: Venezuelan troops blockade bridge to stop aid from Colombia
Opposition uses humanitarian shipment to test army’s loyalty but government sees it as prelude to military intervention
Venezuelan troops have barricaded a bridge on the country’s western border with Colombia in an apparent attempt to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid sent by opposition leaders trying to force Nicolás Maduro from power.
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MIDDLE EAST
IS has not been defeated in Syria, still poses huge threat: UN report.
US-backed Syria force says captures foreign jihadists 'daily'.
Trump expects '100 percent' of IS caliphate defeated in week.
UN: Efforts for Yemen ceasefire deal 'beginning to pay off'.
UAE arming Yemen militias with Western weapons - Amnesty.
Top Iraqi cleric rejects Trump's plan for 'US base' in Iraq.
Hassan Rouhani: US must 'repent' if it wants ties with Iran.
From Iraq to Yemen: the grubby business of counting the war dead.
Israeli PM Netanyahu's rival talks of possible West Bank pullout.
ASIA
U.S. envoy Stephen Biegun arrives in North Korea.
Seoul welcomes 2nd summit between U.S., N. Korea.
Thinly veiled military threats via social media kick off China-Taiwan tensions on Lunar New Year.
Unsanctioned peace talks between Taliban, Afghan advocates 'fruitful' in Russia.
Trump: Progress in talks with Taliban means 'we will be able to reduce our troop presence'.
Taliban official: Half of US troops to leave Afghanistan by May 1.
'Stay out of politics' Pakistan court tells powerful military.
Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo stripped of Australian residency, banned from returning over ‘political interference’ concerns.
Japan court issues fine for hate speech targeting ethnic Korean.
AFRICA
France makes fresh air strikes against rebel incursion into Chad.
Jihadists retaliate after Burkina Faso military offensive.
Senior Somali military officer killed in roadside bombing.
Libya strongman's force says seizes major southern oilfield.
Controversial law, economic woes driving Sudan youths to protest: Bashir.
UN chief urges countries to back C.Africa peace deal.
Zimbabwe school teachers launch nationwide strike.
Egypt's opposition unites on presidential term-limit changes.
Tunisia teachers protest after months on strike.
EUROPE
Russia still open for further talks on INF, US has time to save treaty - envoy.
France condemns Italy's meeting with gilets jaunes leader.
European leader says there's a 'place in hell' for no-plan Brexit backers.
Corbyn lays out Labour’s terms for backing May on Brexit.
Poroshenko can’t win presidential election without vote rigging, warns former president.
North Macedonia signs accord to join NATO amid Russian concerns.
Questions over lifestyle of Putin's aide and his wife's $10m property empire.
AMERICAS
With border blocked, desperate Venezuelans ask how U.S. aid will arrive.
Trump calls probes into his Russia links 'harassment'.
Trump blasts Schiff as 'political hack' over new investigation.
U.S. Congressional negotiators running out of time to get deal to prevent shutdown.
Republican senators to Trump: Do not terminate NAFTA.
Chinese student sentenced to prison for taking photos of US military installation in Florida.
Lula: Brazil court adds 13 years to ex-president's sentence.
US ready to waive sanctions on Venezuela officers backing Guaido.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US promises to keep IS fight after '100 percent' defeat.
Trump: Formal announcement on reclaiming '100 percent' of ISIS territory coming soon.
Pentagon officials: Syria withdrawal heightens ISIS risks.
Pompeo reassures allies of US commitment to defeat ISIL .
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street rally pauses after underwhelming revenue forecasts.
Trump backs World Bank critic Malpass for top job.
Huawei: Tackling security concerns may take five years.
