On the eve of January 10, 2025, the date when Nicolás Maduro plans to assume a third presidential term in Venezuela, the country is experiencing a state of high political and social tension.
The announced intention of Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition leader recognized by various international sectors as an elected president, to return to the country to assume office has prompted the Maduro government to intensify security and control measures across the entire national territory.
Recent reports indicate that the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) has taken control of the La Carlota Air Base in Caracas, under the command of Colonel Alexander Granko Arteaga, known for his loyalty to the regime and accused of human rights violations.
Tamara Suju, a human rights defense attorney and executive director of Casla Institute, reported on her social media that Granko Arteaga has been denounced by hundreds of victims before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
Additionally, he emphasized his role as the leader of "Operation TUN TUN," a systematic practice of "widespread repression that resulted in dozens of people being jailed, regardless of their physical condition or age."
"Granko Arteaga responds to the head of the DGCIM, Nicolás Maduro, and its director general, Major General Javier Marcano Tábata. 'They are so incomplete and cowardly that they deployed intelligence units to 'patrol' and seize Caracas, so that the tyrant can try to hold on to power once more,' the expert noted."
The actions of the Maduro regime are part of a broader strategy to reinforce military presence in the capital and other key regions, aimed at preventing potential opposition mobilizations and ensuring the continuity of the current government.
The militarization of Caracas has created a significant impact on the daily lives of its citizens. Extensive vehicle checkpoints have been reported on the main access roads to the city, causing traffic jams of up to 15 kilometers.
Security officials meticulously inspect each vehicle for potential threats to the established order, which has heightened feelings of insecurity and fear among the population.
At the same time, the government has issued arrest warrants against González Urrutia, accusing him of crimes such as conspiracy, usurpation of functions, and money laundering, among others.
A reward of $100,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest, in an attempt to neutralize his influence and discourage his return to the country.
Despite these measures, González Urrutia has begun an international tour to gather support for his fight for democracy in Venezuela.
After meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, where he was greeted by a crowd of exiled Venezuelans, González Urrutia expressed his determination to return to Venezuela to assume the mandate that, according to him, was granted to him by the people in the elections of July 2024.
The international community is closely monitoring these events. Countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Costa Rica have recognized González Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela, while other governments are adopting a cautious stance regarding the political crisis in the South American nation.
In this context, human rights organizations have expressed their concern over the increasing repression and militarization of the country, warning of potential violations of citizens' fundamental freedoms. The situation in Venezuela is becoming increasingly critical, with an uncertain outcome in the coming days.
Filed under: