Concerns that Venezuela could descend into civil war are mounting after heavily armed far-left militias seized control of Caracas streets whilst military personnel were spotted abandoning their positions.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is treading a « tight rope, » according to one expert, as she attempts to juggle hardliners within Venezuela’s government alongside the looming prospect of additional US interference.
Collectivos, a far-left heavily armed militia group, have taken to the streets of Caracas with tensions in the nation reaching boiling point.
Gunshots rang out last night close to the presidential palace, though Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information subsequently insisted it was police firing at drones that were « flying without permission. »
This follows Maduro’s confrontation with a protester who had been imprisoned by his regime, during which he made a shocking comment to a judge.
Speaking to the Express US, Pedro Garmendia, director of The Pinafore Group, a geopolitical risk and strategic intelligence advisory firm specialising in Venezuela, explained: « They are armed with very powerful guns and have been controlling the streets ever since Maduro was taken. In the past, when things have gotten difficult for Chavismo, it’s been the collectivos that have kept power.
« It is telling that the army haven’t taken control of the country. For instance there is the La Carlota airfield, in the middle of the city, a military base targeted by the US. It’s been deserted by the military. All that’s left is a bus blocking the runway. »
Although Rodríguez is now President, there are figures within the government who might not back her.
Garmendia added: « There’s a Venezuelan writer who says countries don’t have a rock bottom. Things could always get worse. I’m speculating but we could see a coup d’état in Venezuela. Someone taking advantage of the chaos. »
The influential interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, is a key figure in the nation’s military machinery. Reports from the ground suggest he has been mobilising senior regime officials to resist American influence.
In a message to the US, he warned those behind the raid will « regret it for the rest of their lives. »
In a voice message, purportedly sent to military personnel, he said: « These rats attacked, and they are going to regret it for the rest of their lives. Let’s reorganize now, assess where the attacks were, the damage we have, and keep moving forward – always forward, always united. Let’s push ahead. »
Garmendia said: « We had reports that Cabello had been preparing with other hardline members of the administration to take up arms and set up an armed revolution against a Yankee administration.
« It hasn’t happened yet but the collectivos taking the streets and the army retreating is very telling of concerning situation developing. »
He added that Rodríguez could be compelled to turn against the Americans, bringing a fresh threat of invasion. Trump has not ruled out putting « boots on the ground. »
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