Venezuelans formed long lines at supermarkets and pharmacies this Saturday and reported panic buying amid the political uncertainty generated by the events that occurred in Caracas during the early morning.
According to a report by Efecto Cocuyo and Crónica Uno in the western part of the capital and reports from other cities, in areas like El Paraíso, there were “long lines of people” observed since dawn, while in Valencia, lines were recorded at stores and supermarkets with citizens buying food “in bulk.”
The material also mentions lines at gas stations, in addition to pharmacies.
The immediate context of the tension was the announcement that the United States carried out large-scale military strikes in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, an event attributed to a statement by President Donald Trump.
Trump stated that the United States “will control Venezuela” “until there is a fair democratic transition” and that it will manage the strategic resources, especially oil, under conditions imposed by Washington.
He also mentioned Delcy Rodríguez as a figure in a transitional government, alongside conversations attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In response, Delcy Rodríguez demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro, described the events as an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping,” and stated that the National Defense Council and a decree of “external commotion” had been activated. She maintained that the government was willing to engage in “respectful relations” within the framework of international legality.
In the midst of this exchange of statements, the images point to a population trying to stock up amid uncertainty: people lining up early and making rushed purchases, particularly of food and essential products, in various regions of the country.
Filed under:
