Food riots in Venezuela claim 4 lives

Bogota [Colombia], Jan 15 (ANI): At least four people have died and 16 others got injured after riots broke out in Venezuela's Merida state over food shortages.

Venezuela is dealing with a major economic crisis caused due to the decline oil prices and sanctions levied by the United States.

"An armed group in moving vehicles shot people queuing to buy rice in front of a store," the Anadolu Agency quoted the Mayor Silvio Luis Torres, as saying.

According to the eyewitnesses, among the dead were a 17-year-old minor and a 23-year-old Manuel Alberto Oria Marquez, who was shot while looting a food truck.

The injured were rushed to a hospital in Valera city for medical assistance.

When asked about the reason behind the riots, deputy to the National Assembly for Merida state Addy Coromoto Valero said, "In this town, lots of people go hungry." (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI