Caracas Under Heavy Military Surveillance as Maduro Loyalists Consolidate Power
Tensions in Venezuela continued to simmer as the city's streets were patrolled by armed police forces, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello taking to the streets himself. The show of force comes amid reports that the CIA has advised US President Donald Trump that Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez and other senior officials from President Nicolas Maduro's government are the best bet for maintaining stability in the crisis-ridden nation.
The move is a significant shift in the US stance, which had previously backed regime change efforts. However, according to sources, Washington now appears to be opting for a more pragmatic approach, recognizing that the existing power structure has some redeeming qualities and can potentially provide continuity in the midst of chaos.
Cabello's patrol of the streets serves as a stark reminder of the government's determination to quash any opposition or dissent. The arrest of fourteen media workers who had been covering events in Caracas on Monday is another worrying sign of the authorities' willingness to silence critics and maintain their grip on power.
The order for the arrest of anyone suspected of collaborating with the seizure of Maduro also underscores the government's commitment to protecting its allies and maintaining the status quo. With the situation on the ground showing no signs of improvement, it remains to be seen whether the US will continue to back this approach or demand a more significant shift in policy.
Tensions in Venezuela continued to simmer as the city's streets were patrolled by armed police forces, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello taking to the streets himself. The show of force comes amid reports that the CIA has advised US President Donald Trump that Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez and other senior officials from President Nicolas Maduro's government are the best bet for maintaining stability in the crisis-ridden nation.
The move is a significant shift in the US stance, which had previously backed regime change efforts. However, according to sources, Washington now appears to be opting for a more pragmatic approach, recognizing that the existing power structure has some redeeming qualities and can potentially provide continuity in the midst of chaos.
Cabello's patrol of the streets serves as a stark reminder of the government's determination to quash any opposition or dissent. The arrest of fourteen media workers who had been covering events in Caracas on Monday is another worrying sign of the authorities' willingness to silence critics and maintain their grip on power.
The order for the arrest of anyone suspected of collaborating with the seizure of Maduro also underscores the government's commitment to protecting its allies and maintaining the status quo. With the situation on the ground showing no signs of improvement, it remains to be seen whether the US will continue to back this approach or demand a more significant shift in policy.