Caracas Residents’ Fears in the Wake of US Strikes

In the aftermath of US airstrikes early Saturday, residents of Caracas awoke to a scene of devastation. Streets were littered with debris, visible signs of explosions marking the landscape, leaving a palpable sense of fear and uncertainty hanging over the capital.

One resident, a surgeon who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared harrowing footage with CNN. The video depicted shattered building walls, punctured vehicles, and fragments identified as missile shrapnel. The surgeon’s account reflects a broader sentiment of despair among the population about their immediate future amidst such violence.

As the dust settles, Venezuelans are grappling not only with the physical aftermath of the strikes but also with the psychological toll of what might come next. The worry about governance looms large, with foundational questions about who will lead the country in this turbulent time.

“Sooner rather than later, there will have to be some kind of rapprochement between the bloc led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia—who many consider the legitimate president—and the US government,” the doctor noted. His statement underscores the complexities of the current political landscape, suggesting that a possible alliance may be essential for moving forward.

Another Caracas resident echoed these fears, emphasizing the omnipresent threat of government oppression. “We cannot let our guard down because you can always be put in prison for dissenting with the government in any way,” she explained. This pervasive anxiety shapes the daily lives of many as they navigate both the physical dangers associated with unrest and the psychological pressures of living under an authoritarian regime.

A significant portion of this anxiety centers on what a political transition might look like. Many had anticipated María Corina Machado, the opposition leader who garnered international attention after winning the Nobel Peace Prize the previous year, would take the helm. However, confusion spread after US President Donald Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, was being sworn in.

“She is a terrifying figure of the government,” the resident remarked about Rodríguez. Described as a key enforcer of oppressive tactics, her involvement raises significant worries among citizens familiar with the regime’s brutal history.

The resident further expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of merely removing Maduro while allowing figures like Rodríguez to maintain power. “I don’t know how much sense it makes to remove Maduro but leave them in charge — or her in charge,” she said, illustrating a critical point about the continuation of fear even if leadership changes hands.

Concerns extend beyond just the vice president. The resident referenced Rodríguez’s brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, adding, “I don’t see that making much sense.” Another figure of trepidation is Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister, known for his significant ties to the military and deep-rooted connections within the state.

As Caracas residents assess their situation and ponder the future, their feelings of anxiety underscore a collective fear—a fear that is not solely about immediate danger from airstrikes, but also about the profound implications of political maneuvers that may offer no real hope for change.