A palpable sense of dread and confusion has engulfed Venezuela’s capital city following a dramatic nighttime military operation by United States forces that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The unprecedented intervention, which Caracas residents describe as a sovereign violation, has created an atmosphere of suspended normalcy throughout the city.
Norell Ramirez, a local kiosk owner, revealed to China Daily that the initial shock of Saturday’s bombing raid kept most citizens awake through the night. ‘I maintained my shop closure until Sunday due to overwhelming fear—an emotion that persists today,’ Ramirez stated. ‘The uncertainty stems from not knowing what might happen next. They bombed in early morning hours, and there are confirmed casualties.’
While official death tolls remain unverified, preliminary estimates indicate approximately 80 fatalities, including both Venezuelan security personnel and civilians. The Cuban government separately confirmed that 32 of its citizens working within Venezuela were among those killed.
The psychological impact on Caracas residents has been exacerbated by contradictory narratives emerging from Washington and local authorities. Ramirez expressed the collective confusion: ‘Despite surface-level calmness, we receive conflicting messages—President Trump declares one reality while our government asserts another. This leaves us uncertain about appropriate actions or beliefs.’
Maria Antonieta Peralta, a healthcare professional in Caracas, described the situation as ‘very strange,’ noting existing medication shortages have worsened amid widespread apprehension. ‘I’m navigating mixed emotions of fear and uncertainty while attempting to determine the optimal path forward for our nation,’ Peralta explained. ‘We must maintain daily routines pretending nothing is wrong, yet constantly worry about potential colonial treatment.’
Jose Camacho, another resident, voiced strong opposition to the US intervention despite acknowledging Venezuela’s challenges. ‘I’ve managed to progress under both Chavez and Maduro’s administrations—securing employment, housing, and transportation,’ Camacho emphasized. ‘While not everyone experiences equal comfort, we’ve recently seen improvements in power stability and resource availability. Now American involvement forces compliance with external demands, which feels fundamentally unjust.’
The military operation has created visible urban tension, with some businesses remaining shuttered while others tentatively reopened Monday. Public transportation continues operation, though many citizens prefer monitoring developments through state media and mobile devices from their homes.
