Kathrine Frich
Venezuela’s political crisis has taken a darker turn in the streets of Caracas
Fear among residents are growing as competing factions seek to show strength.
Reports of intimidation and detentions are adding to the volatility after the US operation that removed the country’s leader.
The latest claims point to a campaign aimed at silencing anyone seen as sympathetic to Washington.
Motorbike patrols
A gun-wielding paramilitary group has been seen moving through Caracas on motorbikes, allegedly searching for people who support Donald Trump and the US operation that detained Nicolas Maduro.
The group, described as Maduro supporters, has reportedly been checking phones and cars for signs of pro-Trump views or support for the US intervention.
Images shared publicly show armed men riding in groups, carrying rifles.
The Daily Mirror reported that the gangs are linked to pro-government forces and have appeared in public demonstrations following Maduro’s capture.
Emergency measures
The reports emerged after Venezuela’s government announced a 90-day state of emergency.
The order was described as a measure to arrest anyone found “involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States”.
Residents opposed to the government said the combination of armed patrols and emergency rules has heightened anxiety.
One anti-Maduro Venezuelan, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, said she feared having her phone searched and being sent to prison for criticizing the detained leader.
The Mirror also reported that the group has already detained journalists, holding them for hours before releasing them.
Cabello’s message
The group is referred to as the Colectivos. The Mirror reported that some members have posed for photos with Interior,
Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Cabello said:
“Here, the unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed, and here there is only one president, whose name is Nicolas Maduro Moros. Let no one fall for the enemy’s provocations.”
Videos on social media appear to show the group pledging loyalty, saying:
“Always loyal, never traitors.” Other clips show members vowing they will not allow US “pigs” to take over Venezuela and its natural resources.
After the raid
The unrest follows the January 3 overnight raid in Caracas in which Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, were captured by an elite US military unit and brought to the United States.
Maduro appeared in court on Monday for his arraignment hearing, where he said he was “a president and prisoner of war”.
He is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City.
Sources: The Telegraph, Mirror.
