Aerial images of the blockade imposed by Nicolás Maduro's regime on the border with Colombia

Venezuelan authorities have tightened the blockade of a border bridge with Colombia by creating new obstacles, almost a month after the opposition's unsuccessful attempt to register donations from the United States.

A tank and 15 containers have been deployed in the three channels of the Tienditas viaduct, which connects the cities of Ureña (Venezuela) and Cúcuta (Colombia). Previously, there was a tank and two cargo tanks.

"We want peace," reads two of the containers, some loaded with sand and debris.

The Venezuelan army blocked the binational crossing in early February to allow the entry of food and medical supplies run by the opposition leader. Juan Guaidó, elected interim president of Venezuela by more than 50 countries at the head of the United States.

A few days later, a festival organized on the Colombian side of the demarcation line gathered a crowd of people, raising funds to help people suffering from the economic crisis under the Chavez regime. The next day, the supplies would be transported to Venezuela.

Obstacles and a strong military presence prevented February 23 Cucuta shipments which generated strong disturbances on the Venezuelan side.

Authorities also prevented the entry of another batch of aid through the border with Brazil, where the clashes left seven dead.

On the eve of these operations, the dictator's government Nicolás Maduro ordered the closure of the border with Colombia by the state of Táchira (west), where the bridge is located, claiming that the donations were a pretext for an American invasion.

The structure of the road has not yet been inaugurated. It was due to be made public in 2016, but the temporary closure of the 2,200-kilometer border – ordered by the Maduro government at the end of 2015 and partially lifted months later – has delayed its opening.

February 28 Colombia denounced the risk of collapse of three of the four border bridges for the overweight that the Venezuelan authorities place them to keep them stranded.

(With information from AFP)