August M
Fears of a deeper crisis in Venezuela are intensifying as armed groups appear to tighten their grip on the capital. Reports of gunfire, deserted military sites and mounting political strain have raised concerns that the country could slide into a new phase of violence.
At the centre of the turmoil is an interim leadership facing pressure from both internal hardliners and the risk of renewed US involvement.
Armed groups emerge
According to the Express, heavily armed far-left militias known as collectivos have taken control of streets in Caracas, with witnesses reporting gunmen patrolling key areas of the city.
Tensions escalated further after gunshots were heard near the presidential palace.
Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information later said the shots were fired by police at drones that were “flying without permission,” seeking to downplay fears of a broader security breakdown.
Military absence
Pedro Garmendia, director of the Pinafore Group, told Express US that the presence of the collectivos was especially alarming given the apparent withdrawal of regular forces.
“They are armed with very powerful guns and have been controlling the streets ever since Maduro was taken,” he said. “In the past, when things have gotten difficult for Chavismo, it’s been the collectivos that have kept power.”
He pointed to the deserted La Carlota airfield in central Caracas as a symbol of the situation. “It’s been deserted by the military. All that’s left is a bus blocking the runway,” he said.
Leadership strain
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is now trying to hold together a fragile balance inside the government. Garmendia warned she was walking a “tight rope” as rival factions weigh their next moves.
“There’s a Venezuelan writer who says countries don’t have a rock bottom. Things could always get worse,” he said. “I’m speculating but we could see a coup d’état in Venezuela. Someone taking advantage of the chaos.”
Hardline signals
Attention has also turned to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a powerful figure with deep ties to the security apparatus. Reports cited by the Express say he has been rallying senior officials against US influence.
In a message directed at the United States, Cabello warned those behind a recent raid would “regret it for the rest of their lives.” In a voice message shared with military personnel, he said: “These rats attacked, and they are going to regret it for the rest of their lives… let’s push ahead.”
Growing fears
Garmendia said there were signs that hardliners were preparing for armed resistance. “It hasn’t happened yet but the collectivos taking the streets and the army retreating is very telling of [a] concerning situation developing,” he said.
He added that Rodríguez could yet be forced into open confrontation with Washington, raising fresh fears of foreign intervention.
Sources: Daily Express, Express US
