A US military operation in Venezuela resulted in the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent transfer to the United States, initiating a period of political transition and diverse reactions within Venezuela and globally. Vice-President Delcy RodrĂguez assumed the role of acting president, with her rhetoric evolving from defiance to a proposal for cooperation with the United States amidst widespread uncertainty and ongoing economic challenges in the capital.
US Military Operation and Maduro's Apprehension
On a Saturday, identified as January 3 by one source, a US military operation in Venezuela included airstrikes in states such as Caracas, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira. This operation led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transported to the United States. They pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges in a Manhattan federal court on the following Monday. Reports on fatalities from the operation varied, with one source citing at least 80 deaths and the Cuban government reporting 32 members of its security forces among those killed.
Political Transition and US Stance
Following Maduro's apprehension, Vice-President Delcy RodrĂguez was sworn in as acting president by the supreme court on Saturday. The country's armed forces heads recognized her authority the next day, while also calling for the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.
US President Donald Trump made several statements regarding the situation, initially indicating the US would "run" Venezuela and that RodrĂguez would remain in power only if she complied with US directives. He also stated the US might initiate further actions if the remaining Venezuelan administration did not cooperate, and did not exclude further military action. Trump had also expressed the view that opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado lacked the necessary "respect" or "support" to govern. Republican officials later reportedly modified Trump's assertion about the US "running" Venezuela.
Acting President RodrĂguez's Evolving Stance
Initially, Acting President RodrĂguez adopted a defiant public stance, declaring Venezuela would "never again be anyone’s colony." However, after chairing her first cabinet meeting on Sunday night, her rhetoric shifted. RodrĂguez issued a message emphasizing an "balanced and respectful" relationship with the US as a priority and formally invited the US government to "work jointly on an agenda of cooperation, aimed at shared development." She addressed President Trump directly, stating that the peoples and the region "deserve peace and dialogue, not war."
Public and Economic Conditions in Caracas
In the days following the operation, Caracas observed reduced public activity, with streets remaining largely quiet despite an encouragement from Defense Minister VladĂmir Padrino Lopez for the population to resume economic, work, and educational activities. Some residents reported being awakened by noise from airstrikes and experiencing power outages, with some areas lacking water and phone reception.
Many residents engaged in routine activities such such as grocery shopping, often facing long queues and increased prices for essential goods. Shopkeepers at Caracas’s central market, Quinta Crespo, closed businesses citing concerns over potential civil unrest, while others stocked up on non-perishable items. Price increases were noted, with powdered milk selling for $16 per kilogram, a carton of eggs for $10, and bread prices increasing by approximately 30%. The Sambil mall experienced a decline in sales and customer traffic.
The Venezuelan government imposed a state of emergency, which included orders for police to "immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support of the armed attack by the US." Militia members were observed assembling with motorcycles, and increased police patrols were noted.
Diverse Citizen Perspectives within Venezuela
Reactions among Caracas residents were varied, characterized by uncertainty and apprehension. Some expressed satisfaction with Maduro's removal, citing perceived mismanagement and hardships under his leadership. Others, however, expressed opposition to the US intervention, characterizing it as an 'abuse' or a violation of sovereignty, and stating that Venezuelan problems should be solved by Venezuelans.
A prevailing sentiment was one of uncertainty regarding future developments. Residents expressed concerns about potential violence during a political transition and the continuity of the existing governmental structure. Public celebrations of Maduro's apprehension were not widely observed, with some attributing this to fears of governmental reprisal or a perception that the situation had not significantly changed. Some residents noted parallels to past overthrows or displacements of Venezuelan leaders.
Reactions from Venezuelans Abroad
Venezuelans living abroad exhibited diverse reactions. In Madrid, Spain, hundreds of Venezuelan migrants gathered to celebrate the news of Maduro's custody. Similarly, expatriates in Greater Manchester, UK, expressed relief and hope for a potential return to their home country, though some acknowledged the US action was "not the ideal scenario."
Conversely, other Venezuelans abroad expressed caution and concern. Some in Madrid expressed sadness and concern about "repercussions" and "what a war means," while a resident in Chicago described the situation as "confusing," expressing happiness over Maduro's loss of power but fear regarding the consequences of the US potentially "taking over" Venezuela. Concerns about US motives and the potential loss of sovereignty over oil resources were also articulated.
International and Regional Responses
The US military action and Maduro's apprehension drew international attention and criticism. The governments of Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay issued a joint statement warning that the action set "an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security." Some experts characterized the action as a violation of international law.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro deployed 30,000 troops to the border with Venezuela, citing concerns about potential instability. The National Liberation Army (ELN) condemned the US action, characterizing it as "imperial" and stating an intent to "confront" the perceived attack on Venezuelan sovereignty. Protests against the US military action also occurred globally, including in Manchester and London, with groups condemning it as an "act of aggression" and a "war crime."