The streets of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, have been seized by armed motorcycle gangs loyal to the captured leader Nicolás Maduro, creating a climate of terror in the wake of the US-led operation. Known as Colectivos, these groups are reportedly targeting citizens suspected of supporting former US President Donald Trump and Washington's role in Maduro's apprehension.
Checkpoints and Phone Searches Sow Fear
According to reports from residents and international media, convoys of masked men on motorcycles have flooded major roads, setting up impromptu checkpoints. They are stopping traffic at random and demanding that drivers hand over their mobile phones for inspection. The armed pro-Maduro bike gangs, often seen carrying automatic weapons, are scrutinising messages, social media posts, and photos for any indication of support for Trump or the American operation.
Those identified or suspected of backing the raid face immediate threats, intimidation, and are forced to delete content on the spot. This aggressive show of force has paralysed daily life, with many citizens now too frightened to use main avenues or even carry their phones when leaving home.
Journalists in Hiding as Emergency Powers Expand
The political fallout has been severe. Venezuela's interim government has declared a state of emergency, explicitly banning any public celebration of Maduro's capture. Security forces have been granted expanded authority to detain civilians and search personal electronic devices without warrant.
This crackdown has directly impacted the press. Journalists' unions report that several media personnel have been detained and had their equipment confiscated during searches. Fearing detention or worse, many reporters have reportedly gone into hiding to avoid the armed pro-Maduro patrols.
Fragile Stability and International Concern
While Donald Trump has stated that the United States will oversee Venezuela's affairs for the time being, the violent situation on the ground underscores the extreme fragility of the current climate. Critics warn that the actions of the Colectivos and the broader crackdown signal a high risk of further instability and violence.
The atmosphere in Caracas remains one of profound uncertainty and fear. The armed pro-Maduro bike gangs driving the crackdown have effectively turned the city into a landscape of checkpoints and suspicion, where citizens' loyalty is being violently policed on the streets.
