Venezuela woke up this Saturday amidst uncertainty, fear, and caution, following the military attack ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, confirmed by Washington.
In Caracas and other cities across the country, a tense calm prevails, with empty streets, a heavy military presence, and access controls in strategic areas such as Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota, according to reports from local media cited by RTVE.
Videos shared on social media - which have not been confirmed by accredited news outlets - testify to shouts of "long live freedom" and expressions of joy among the residents of Caracas, who remain in their homes without venturing into public spaces for fear of repression from regime agents.
The first explosions were recorded around two in the morning, surprising the people of Caracas in the midst of the Christmas season. “The country was literally awakened,” reported Venezuelan journalist Isnardo Bravo, while his colleague Juan Carlos Rozo described “booms that shook the windows” in the center of the capital, near the Palacio de Miraflores.
Although the Venezuelan government declared a state of external commotion, equivalent to a state of emergency, there have been no significant demonstrations either in favor of or against the U.S. intervention.
"The streets woke up empty, people are tense and afraid," noted journalist Alonso Moleiro, who recalled the recent memory of political repression.
In the east of Caracas, an opposition stronghold, shouts of joy were heard upon learning the news of the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. However, the celebrations have been restrained.
“There's hope, but also caution. People fear reprisals,” explained to RTVE Manuel Rodríguez, a Venezuelan activist based in Madrid.
The Venezuelan opposition has not yet made any official statements. Neither has María Corina Machado, who has been identified by several international leaders as a key figure in a potential democratic transition.
Meanwhile, the country remains polarized and misinformed, with official media silencing the extent of the attacks and social networks flooded with rumors and fake videos. "Many are waiting to see to believe," summarized journalist Jessica Herrera.
Venezuela is experiencing hours of historic uncertainty, caught between the fear of a new cycle of violence and the expectation of an unprecedented political change.
Filed under:
