Hundreds of Chavismo followers protested the capture of the president on Saturday in Caracas Nicolas Madurosome with their portrait raised, while their detractors, fearful, remain silent in the streets but explode on social networks.
Agents dressed in black, with their faces covered and carrying long weapons, nervously walked through the center of the Venezuelan capital, where public offices are located.
Long lines of Venezuelans seeking supplies formed in front of the few open supermarkets and at gas stations.
The agents too They guard the presidential palace of Mirafloreswhere Maduro led recent rallies against imperialism in which he danced to the electronic rhythm of “No war, yes peace.”
After the US military bombings in the early morning, smoke and the smell of gunpowder invaded the desolate streets of Caracas in the early hours of the day.
The first explosions drove many from their beds in Caracas. It was an unknown roar for this country that has not had wars since the 19th century, and that according to President Donald Trump it will be governed by the United States until there is a peaceful transition of power.
“It was horrible, we felt the planes pass over our house,” said an anonymous resident of the Coche neighborhood, close to Fuerte Tiuna, the largest military complex in the city, the target of the attacks.
Trump announced the bombings and the arrest of the Venezuelan president, and posted a photo of Maduro handcuffed, with his eyes covered with dark glasses and in gray sports clothing, on the US military ship USS Iwo Jima on the way to New York, where he will be tried for drug trafficking and terrorism.
“Absurd thing”
“Long live Nicolás Maduro!” Chavista protesters shouted from a platform with speakers installed in the center of Caracas, while typical songs from the actions of the overthrown president were heard. “Long live!” responded the crowd.
About 500 supporters of the ruling party attended the meeting to demand the release of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who was also arrested and transferred to the United States.
“How is it that a foreign government comes and gets into the country and removes the president? It’s an absurd thing,” complained Katia Briceño, a 54-year-old university professor.
“It wasn’t that much of a surprise because we had already anticipated that they could attack us at any moment,” Pastora Vivas, a 65-year-old militia member, told AFP.
No opposition demonstrations were reported. There is fear in their ranks after spontaneous protests against Maduro’s questioned re-election in 2024 ended in repression and the arrest of more than 2,000 people in 48 hours.
A comment that displeases the authorities can send its author to prison.
But social networks and Message platforms exploded with expressions of joyvideos, photographs, articles and many comments.
“It’s happening,” wrote a young Venezuelan living in Spain upon hearing the news of the bombing. Shortly after, she published a video in which she appeared crying with emotion upon learning of Maduro’s arrest.
long lines
The gray blinds shops remained mostly closedbut faced with long lines of nervous buyers, some supermarkets decided to open halfway, without allowing circulation inside the stores.
In the traditional neighborhood of La Candelaria, tranquility reigns, while in other usually bustling neighborhoods there are few passers-by on the street.
The bombings caught Nelson Pabón, 53, with “an empty refrigerator.” On the outskirts of a supply just find some foods for the weekbut he has “faith in God that everything will be normal soon.”
