In Venezuela’s capital, a paramilitary group armed with guns has been on the lookout for individuals who express support for Donald Trump and the US involvement in detaining Nicolas Maduro.
Pictures have surfaced showing gangs backing Maduro cruising the streets of Caracas on motorcycles, brandishing AK-47 rifles, as they search for any signs of allegiance to Trump among the populace. Their search reportedly extends to scrutinizing phones and vehicles for any indications of backing the US intervention in Venezuela.
This alarming development follows the Venezuelan government’s declaration of a 90-day state of emergency aimed at apprehending anyone linked to promoting or endorsing the US-led armed attack.
Members of the group, known as The Colectivos, have been seen in photographs alongside Maduro’s Interior, Justice, and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Despite facing a $50 million bounty in the US, similar to Maduro, Minister Cabello asserts that Maduro remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela, even in light of the US intervention.
In the midst of the political turmoil in Venezuela, Cabello, in a statement, emphasized the unity of the revolutionary force and affirmed Maduro as the sole president, cautioning against falling for provocations from adversaries.
A video circulating on social media shows Cabello with motorcycle gang members declaring, “Always loyal, never traitors” in Spanish. Other videos depict the group vowing to resist US attempts to seize control of Venezuela and its resources.
An anonymous Venezuelan critical of Maduro expressed fear due to the group’s actions and the government’s emergency decree, citing concerns about potential phone searches and imprisonment for dissenting against the detained leader.
Reports indicate that this paramilitary group has already detained and interrogated 14 journalists before releasing them. Minister Cabello, a feared military figure, has purportedly intensified pressure on the military forces.
In a reported voice message to military personnel, Cabello urged reorganization and resilience in the face of recent attacks, advocating for unity and progress despite challenges.
The latest political unrest ensued after the US military apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilla Flores in a covert operation on January 3.
Maduro, labelled a dictator, is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City, a facility known for hosting high-profile detainees like Sean Combs and Ghislaine Maxwell.
During a recent court appearance, Maduro asserted his status as a “president and prisoner of war” amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
