U.S. Military Starts Flying Aid for Venezuela to Colombia – The New York Times

But he said the American military has become experienced in getting aid to people under trying circumstances, citing recent natural disasters in Asia as an example.

Rebecca Chavez, who served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Western Hemisphere during the Obama administration, said it was “very likely” that the American military would be drawn into the crisis in Venezuela as the power struggle between Mr. Maduro and Mr. Guaidó escalates.

But, she argued, “any unilateral military intervention in Venezuela would be a huge mistake.” If the American military does end up delivering aid, or takes part in a peacekeeping mission, Ms. Chavez said, it should be done as part of a coalition.

The recent election of conservative leaders in key Latin American nations, including Brazil, Colombia and Chile, makes that prospect more plausible than in past years. But so far, officials in Colombia and Brazil have signaled deep reservations about military missions in Venezuela.

The prospect of an influx of humanitarian aid has raised hopes among Venezuelans who have struggled to put food on the table.

Matilde Sandoval, a 57-year-old merchant from Ureña near the Colombian border, attended a recent rally pressing for the delivery of aid. She held a sign that said “Welcome to my country” in English.

Ms. Sandoval said she dreamed of watching American Marines pour into her country to break the impasse.

“We Venezuelans need help,” she said. We are fed up.”