A paramilitary group in Venezuela’s capital has been conducting patrols while searching for individuals who express support for Donald Trump and the US involvement in detaining Nicolas Maduro. These groups, backing Maduro, have been seen riding through Caracas streets on motorcycles, armed with AK-47 rifles, in an effort to identify any signs of pro-Trump sentiment, including searching through phones and vehicles for information endorsing US intervention in the country.
This alarming situation follows the Venezuelan government’s declaration of a 90-day state of emergency to apprehend anyone associated with promoting or endorsing the US-led armed attack. The armed group, known as The Colectivos, has been captured in photos alongside Diosdado Cabello, Maduro’s Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace.
Despite facing a US bounty similar to Maduro’s, Cabello maintains Maduro’s legitimacy as the nation’s leader amidst the US intervention. In the midst of political turmoil, Cabello emphasized the unity of the revolutionary forces and reiterated Maduro’s presidency, warning against falling for provocations from adversaries.
Videos circulating on social media show Cabello with motorcycle gang members expressing loyalty and opposition to US interference in Venezuela’s affairs. An anonymous Venezuelan critical of Maduro expressed fear and unease due to the actions of the group and the government’s emergency measures, including the arrest of journalists and increased pressure on the military.
The recent upheaval in Venezuela occurred shortly after the US military captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilla Flores, in a covert operation. Maduro, now detained in the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City, appeared in court asserting his status as a “prisoner of war” and a legitimate president.