Venezuelans living abroad erupted in celebration over the weekend following significant military and judicial actions by the United States targeting the government in Caracas. Communities in Florida's Miami, Doral, and Chile's Santiago gathered publicly to cheer US strikes on Venezuelan capital Caracas and the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Scenes of Jubilation in Diaspora Hubs
According to NBC News, crowds were seen singing and dancing in Miami, waving Venezuelan flags in a display of joy and relief. In the city of Doral, Florida, a significant group assembled outside the well-known El Arepazo restaurant, a longstanding gathering spot for Venezuelans opposing the regime in their homeland. The cheers marked a pivotal moment for a community that has consistently voiced its dissent against the injustices faced over decades.
A parallel scene unfolded in Santiago, Chile, where Venezuelan expatriates came together, singing their national anthem and chanting "Long Live Venezuela." The celebrations underscored the deep emotional connection and hope for change among those forced to leave their country.
'History in the Making': A Personal Story
Local 10 news spoke to Edgar, a Venezuelan man celebrating in Doral, who shared his profound emotions. Edgar, who moved to the United States at age 11, described the events as historic. "My chest, it feels like it’s gonna explode with joy," he stated, explaining that his family had fought for democracy long before he was born.
He grew up hearing stories of a democratic Venezuela and expressed newfound hope for its return. "That meant everything to me," he said emotionally, praising the character of the Venezuelan people while directly addressing Americans.
The US Military and Legal Offensive
The celebrations were triggered by a series of decisive actions. Explosions rocked Caracas as low-flying aircraft targeted the city. The Associated Press reported at least seven blasts in an attack lasting under 30 minutes, which appeared to focus on military infrastructure. Smoke billowed from a hangar at a Caracas military base, and another installation suffered a power outage.
This military action followed months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration, which had increased its naval presence near South America. Since early September, the US has conducted strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the region. Notably, a CIA drone strike occurred on Venezuelan soil just last week, targeting an area allegedly used by drug cartels.
Charges and Capture: The Legal Front
On the judicial front, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on X that Maduro and Flores had been indicted in the Southern District of New York and "will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts."
Maduro faces serious charges including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, and weapons-related conspiracies. While Maduro was initially indicted in March 2020 during Trump's first term, the indictment against Cilia Flores was made public only now. According to statements from former President Trump, both Maduro and his wife are currently aboard a US warship and are set to face prosecution in New York.
The coordinated events represent a dramatic escalation in the long-standing confrontation between the US and the Venezuelan government, offering a moment of catharsis for its exiled citizens while opening a new and uncertain chapter in international relations.
