A paramilitary group armed with guns has been seen in Venezuela’s capital city, actively searching for individuals who express support for Donald Trump and the US-led operation that led to the detention of Nicolas Maduro. These groups, known to support Maduro, have been spotted on motorcycles carrying AK-47 rifles through the streets of Caracas, inspecting phones and vehicles for any signs of backing for the US involvement in Venezuela.
The alarming presence of these armed groups follows the Venezuelan government’s declaration of a 90-day state of emergency to apprehend individuals associated with promoting or endorsing the US-backed armed attack. The group, identified as The Colectivos, has been photographed alongside Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, who maintains Maduro’s legitimacy despite the US intervention.
In the midst of political unrest, Cabello affirmed Maduro’s presidency, emphasizing unity and loyalty to the revolutionary cause. Social media videos depict Cabello with the motorcycle gang members pledging allegiance and vowing to resist US interference in Venezuela’s affairs.
Reports indicate that the paramilitary group has detained 14 journalists temporarily and has intensified pressure on the military. Cabello’s message to military personnel, urging resilience and unity in the face of attacks, underscores the escalating tensions in the region.
The recent turmoil in Venezuela unfolded after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by a US military squadron on January 3. Maduro, now in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City, made a defiant statement during his arraignment hearing, asserting his status as a “president and prisoner of war.”
The situation remains fluid, with concerns mounting over the government’s actions and the implications for those opposing Maduro’s regime.