Dramatic footage has emerged of a clash between President Nicolas Maduro's troops and supporters of his rival Juan Guaido in Venezuela.
The clip shows trucks trying to ram through a checkpoint in Mariara, northern Venezuela, as security forces loyal to Maduro stand in its path.
It is thought to have taken place as supporters of opposition leader Guaido, who has declared himself acting president, made their way to the border to collect US aid.
Maduro is refusing to let US supplies in, arguing it would be the first step toward a foreign invasion. Instead, he has accepted Russian aid and reportedly sent missiles to the border.
Meanwhile, the crisis is set to morph in to a 'battle of the bands' today with rival concerts taking place at opposite ends of a blockaded border bridge.
Flashpoint: Dramatic footage has emerged of a clash between President Nicolas Maduro's troops and supporters of his rival Juan Guaido in Venezuela
Tension: The clip shows trucks trying to ram through a checkpoint in Mariara, northern Venezuela, as security forces loyal to Maduro stand in its path
Clash: It is thought to have taken place as supporters of opposition leader Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, made their way to the border to collect US aid
Venezuelans cross the Simon Bolivar International Bridge from San Antonio del Tachira in Venezuela to Norte de Santander province of Colombia
British tycoon Sir Richard Branson, after being approached by opposition leader Juan Guaido, is bidding to raise $100million in donations through 'Venezuela Aid Live' on the Colombian side of Tienditas bridge.
On the other side of the crossing, closed off with freight containers, President Nicolas Maduro will hold 'hands off Venezuela' - a three day festival.
Tensions are continuing to mount as the weekend approaches with Guaido adamant he will bring the supplies into the country on Saturday. The Tienditas bridge, is one of the conduits that he has targeted.
Branson aims to raise $100 million in donations through his concert with big stars from the Spanish-speaking world scheduled to perform, and the presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay vowing to attend.
The government has not said who will perform on the Venezuela end of the bridge. That concert's slogan is 'Hands Off Venezuela.'
The crisis in Venezuela is set to morph in to a 'battle of the bands' today with rival concerts taking place at opposite ends of a blockaded border bridge. Pictures show a preparations for President Maduro's 'Hands off Venezuela' concert
Maduro has accepted a shipment of medical equipment and supplies sent from Russia - while refusing similar
British tycoon Sir Richard Branson, after being approached by opposition leader Juan Guaido, is bidding to raise $100million in donations through 'Venezuela Aid Live' on the Colombian side of Tienditas bridge
'All the artists that are going to sing in Colombia must know that they are committing a crime. They are endorsing a military intervention,' said Maduro. On Thursday he ordered the closure of Venezuela's border with Brazil - one of the main potential avenues for aid delivery - as part of the power struggle with
