Amid the increasing tension in the leadership of Venezuelan government, two Russian military planes landed in the former’s main airport.
Citing the unconfirmed report it carried dozens of troops and large amounts of equipment.
The planes were sent to “fulfil technical military contracts”, Moscow’s Sputnik news agency reported.
It comes three months after the two nations held joint military exercises.
Russia has long been an ally of Venezuela, lending the South American nation billions of dollars and backing its oil industry and military.
The powerful nation has also vocally opposed moves from the US to sanction the government of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
A military plane with a Russian flag on its fuselage could be seen on the tarmac at an airport on Sunday.
Several images on social media also appeared to show Russian troops gathered at the airport.
In recent months, ties between Moscow and Venezuela have strengthened, amid worsening relations between the US and Venezuela.
In December, Russia sent two air force jets there as part of a military exercise.
Russia has condemned other foreign powers for backing Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president in January.
President Maduro has accused Guaidó of trying to mount a coup against him with the help of “US imperialists”.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS