Russian military officials have arrived in Venezuela to "fulfil (routine) military contracts".
This comes after two Russian planes landed at Maiquetia airport outside Caracas guarded by a contingent of Venezuelan national guardsmen.
Russian state news agency Sputnik stressed that it was part of ongoing military cooperation between the two allies.
Dan Ashby has more.

Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks collapse, ceasefire continues, Taliban says
UPS, FedEx ground MD-11 fleets after deadly Louisville crash
US warns it could force 20% flight cuts if shutdown continues
Philippines warns of deadly storm surges as typhoon Fung-wong intensifies
Technical glitch with air traffic system at Delhi airport resolved
