The Ground Shifts in Venezuela

In the early hours of a Saturday morning in Caracas, the quiet night was shattered by a sequence of loud explosions, illuminating the clouded sky like a dazzling fireworks display gone awry.

The phrase 'It’s starting!' echoed throughout homes and online spaces as a new episode of the United States’ military strategy unfolded in Venezuela. Many people speculated: 'Is it Maduro?'

The main concern centered around the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro, who had been the focus of intense scrutiny from the U.S. government for some time.

President Trump provided minimal details about future plans for Venezuela, aside from mentioning setting up an administrative group to manage the transition of leadership.

Meanwhile, the celebratory scenes among Venezuelans abroad were not mirrored in Venezuela, where uncertainty kept many in the confines of their homes.

Eventually, reports emerged that United States forces had apprehended Maduro and were transporting him to the U.S. to face charges.

Venezuelans witnessed these developments unfold through social media, sharing visuals and sounds of the nighttime attacks, sensing the dawn of a new, unpredictable era following years of turmoil.

The overall outcome remained uncertain, but it clearly marked a significant turning point in the country’s history.

As daylight broke, an uneasy peace cloaked the city. The previous night's aerial bombardments and aircraft noises vanished, only to be replaced by sporadic power outages.

Supporters of the government wielding firearms established roadblocks, discouraging any public celebration of the president's capture.

Most businesses, including stores and fuel outlets, remained shut, with little movement on the streets.

Carolina Méndez, a resident, described seeking necessities, filled with trepidation, amidst an atmosphere where most were driven by fear.

Fear was palpable as people scrambled to acquire essentials.

Luz Pérez, a security worker at a rare open store, recounted the terrifying night, emphasizing the decision to open the store despite dangers to meet the public demand for supplies.

Customers entered in small groups, their sole concern being to secure their purchases and return home swiftly.

Political Developments and Reactions

Social media buzzed with news of Maduro and his spouse being swiftly taken by U.S. forces.

There was no immediate confirmation of their detention, though images circulated revealing Maduro seemingly detained.

Unverified information suggested casualties among high-ranking officials, including Diosdado Cabello, yet he soon appeared on state television condemning the attacks.

Despite the U.S. claim to oversee Venezuela, how it intends to achieve this remains largely undefined.

A significant question loomed—would the military continue to support Maduro, or shift allegiance?

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s immediate release, decrying his and his wife’s capture as an unlawful act of abduction.

Rodríguez’s statements branded the detention as U.S. efforts to exploit Venezuela's natural resources.

In contrast, President Trump claimed Rodríguez had been positioned as interim leader, seemingly aligning with U.S. expectations.

Surprisingly, Trump dismissed the involvement of a known anti-Maduro figure in the interim governance, citing a lack of domestic esteem.

Despite controversy, an opposition-aligned figure assumed a presidential role in the aftermath, stimulating discussions about the integrity of past elections.

Roberto, a local taxi driver, reflected the sentiment of many who viewed external claims over national resources as contentious.