On January 3, 2024, Ángel Linares experienced a terrifying moment when a sudden explosion rocked his apartment in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, leading him to believe it was an earthquake. Instead, it was the aftermath of a military operation ordered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at capturing then-President Nicolás Maduro. The chaos left residents confused and fearful, with gunfire echoing through their community as they struggled to comprehend the violence that had erupted in their coastal town.
Operation Absolute Resolve: A Sudden Shock
As the early morning hours unfolded, Linares and his neighbors were caught in what would later be referred to as Operation Absolute Resolve. This military operation, described as a lightning-fast invasion, targeted military installations along Venezuela's Caribbean coast. It was intended to capture Maduro, but the consequences rippled throughout the nation. The sound of missiles striking their targets and the subsequent gunfire left the residents of Urbanización Rómulo Gallegos in a state of panic. Linares's mother, 85-year-old Jesucita, thought they were experiencing an earthquake reminiscent of the one that struck Venezuela in 1967. Originally reported by The Guardian.
"Is it a coup?. I don't believe 'Papá Trump' would have dared to invade," Elizabeth Herrera recalled her husband speculating amid the terror. While the attack lasted only a brief period, it felt interminable to those who experienced it, especially for Herrera's son, who questioned whether they were the 'baddies' in a conflict between governments.
Confusion Reigns in the Aftermath
More than four months since the operation, the impact of Trump's military intervention continues to reverberate through Venezuela. Citizens from all walks of life-ordinary families, diplomats, and members of Maduro's government-struggle to understand the new political landscape. Many have watched as Maduro's regime has shifted since the abrupt end to his 13-year rule, which followed accusations of electoral fraud during the 2024 presidential election.
"Everything is so confusing.. This feels sometimes like an illusion," said Jesús Armas, a former political prisoner and ally of exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado. Despite the chaos, some positive changes have emerged. Murals of Maduro have been painted over, and his portraits removed from government offices. For the first time since the controversial 2024 election, foreign journalists have gained access to the country, signaling a potential thaw in the political climate.
Voices of Change and Hope
In this shifting landscape, hundreds of political prisoners have been released, and many dissidents have returned from exile to push for a democratic transition. Recently, a large group gathered outside El Helicoide, a notorious prison known for its history of torture, to demand fresh elections and the release of the estimated 500 detainees still behind bars. Jeisi Blanco, a human rights campaigner, remarked, "People have lost their fear," as they etched the names of the incarcerated onto the pavement.
Armas, who was released from El Helicoide in February, expressed a newfound hope for Venezuela's future. "I feel great.. I feel hope right now. I know that we are going to change this country," he asserted, confident that Machado would soon return to Venezuela to rally support for the opposition and further the political transformation.
A New Political Moment
U.S. officials have noted what many in Venezuela are calling a "new political moment" following Trump's audacious military action. While the legality of the operation remains in question, it has undeniably altered the political dynamics within the country. The emergence of a more vocal opposition and the increasing visibility of human rights concerns reflect a shift in the public's engagement with governance and their rights.
As Venezuelans navigate this new reality, the question of what comes next looms large. The recent political changes, marked by the removal of Maduro's imagery and the release of prisoners, suggest a potential for renewed dialogue about Venezuela's future. Whether this will lead to lasting democratic reforms remains to be seen.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.