In the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces, his regime is facing a fierce backlash. Armed paramilitary groups, known as colectivos, are increasing their presence. These motorcycle-riding civilians, sometimes armed, are conducting searches and setting up checkpoints across Venezuela. Their goal? To root out anyone who opposes Maduro.
Recently, the National Union of Press Workers reported that 14 journalists were briefly detained during the inauguration of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. Many Venezuelans are now afraid to leave their homes, worried that armed groups might check their phones for dissenting messages.
Oswaldo, a 69-year-old shop owner, shared his fears: “The future is uncertain. The colectivos have weapons. We don’t know what will happen.”
Diosdado Cabello, a key figure in Maduro’s regime, oversees these colectivos. He has a $25 million bounty on his head from the U.S. State Department due to allegations of drug trafficking. Cabello is known for his ruthless tactics to suppress dissent, and experts like Venezuelan military strategist Jose Garcia emphasize his unpredictability. “He is the most ideological, violent, and unpredictable element of the Venezuelan regime,” Garcia noted.
With a new state of emergency in place, the Venezuelan government is on high alert. A recent decree instructs police to search for anyone connected to the U.S. attack. Even Cabello is seen patrolling the streets with security forces, ordering military agencies to target “terrorists” and warning dissenters that they will be monitored.
This atmosphere of fear echoes Venezuela’s turbulent history. The country has long faced political turmoil, but this latest crackdown demonstrates the regime’s determination to cling to power.
As the world watches, the situation in Venezuela remains tense. The populace faces an uncertain future, while those in power are determined to hold onto their grip, no matter the cost. For ongoing updates, you can check reports from Reuters and other news outlets.
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venezuelan political crisis,armed forces,socialism
