What's happened
Venezuela remains unstable after a US-led military operation captured Maduro, causing widespread fear, shortages, and power outages. Citizens are cautiously resuming daily activities amid ongoing uncertainty, armed groups, and limited government control, with reports of violence and power disruptions across Caracas and other cities. The situation is evolving rapidly.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis in Venezuela reveals a fragile power vacuum and deepening chaos. The US operation, while removing Maduro, has not stabilized the country; instead, it has exposed the extent of Maduro's weakened grip and the strength of opposition factions. The absence of a clear transitional authority has led to a 'cave-like' atmosphere, with residents uncertain about the future.
- The regime's supporters are rallying, but their legitimacy is questioned, and the presence of armed colectivos increases the risk of violence.
- The lack of military and police control, combined with targeted strikes on infrastructure, suggests a potential for escalation into broader conflict.
- International actors, especially the US, are likely to continue exerting influence, but their actions may deepen internal divisions.
- The long-term outcome hinges on whether a unified opposition can consolidate power or if chaos will persist, risking further humanitarian crises.
This situation will likely lead to prolonged instability, with economic collapse worsening and social unrest intensifying. The international community's response will be critical in shaping Venezuela's future, but internal divisions and the absence of strong governance suggest a difficult path ahead.
What the papers say
Contrasting perspectives emerge from Politico and Sky News. Politico emphasizes the chaos and uncertainty following the US operation, highlighting the fear and disarray among Venezuelans. Sky News, however, offers a more cautious view, describing the regime as an 'octopus' with many hands and noting the lack of control and ongoing violence. While Politico focuses on the immediate aftermath and the potential for prolonged chaos, Sky News underscores the complex power dynamics and the presence of armed groups outside official control. Both sources agree that the situation remains highly volatile, but Politico stresses the humanitarian toll, whereas Sky News emphasizes the political and security complexities behind the scenes.
How we got here
The crisis escalated after a US military operation targeted Maduro, leading to his capture and sparking chaos across Venezuela. Prior to this, Maduro's government faced long-standing economic collapse, political repression, and international sanctions. The recent attack has deepened the country's instability, with armed groups and colectivos operating outside official control, and a lack of reliable information and infrastructure damage complicating the situation.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Caracas, officially Santiago de León de Caracas, abbreviated as CCS, is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, and the center of the Metropolitan Region of Caracas.