Venezuelan troops seize beer supplies

Troops in Venezuela have taken control of two soft drinks and beer warehouses near the capital, Caracas.

The move is to counter shortages caused by the general strike aimed at forcing President Hugo Chavez to step down.

The takeover was the first since President Chavez threatened to seize food depots he accuses of hoarding.

Troops fired teargas after opposition protestors surrounded one warehouse owned by the local distributor of Coca-Cola.

The officer leading the raid at a nearby brewery said his men would be handing out free beer.