The capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces hasn't brought peace to Venezuela; instead, it has unleashed a wave of intimidation and control orchestrated by loyalist paramilitary groups.
These groups, known as *colectivos*, are comprised of civilians often riding motorcycles and openly carrying assault rifles. They’ve established checkpoints and are conducting aggressive searches, hunting for any sign of support for Maduro’s removal.
The crackdown is swift and severe. Journalists are being targeted, with fourteen detained during the recent induction of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Fear grips the population, as residents hesitate to leave their homes, dreading the possibility of having their phones seized and scrutinized for dissenting opinions.
At the heart of this escalating control is Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of Maduro with a $25 million bounty on his head for corruption and drug trafficking. He currently serves as the Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, a position he has used to systematically suppress political opposition.
Cabello effectively commands the *colectivos*, utilizing them as an unofficial extension of state repression. His influence suggests a desperate attempt by Maduro loyalists to cling to power despite their leader’s capture.
The current actions stem from a government directive to eliminate any opposition to the regime. A state of emergency decree explicitly ordered police to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support of the armed attack by the United States.”
Those familiar with Venezuelan politics recognize Cabello as a particularly dangerous and unpredictable figure, skilled in domestic espionage and coordinating surveillance networks. His continued presence is a major source of concern.
Military strategists are now focusing on Cabello, recognizing him as the most ideological, violent, and unpredictable element remaining within the Venezuelan government. Recent sightings show him actively patrolling the streets alongside security forces.
Images released by the Venezuelan government depict Cabello surrounded by armed militia, with the crowd chanting slogans of unwavering loyalty. He has also been seen on television issuing stark warnings, ordering the military counterintelligence agency to pursue “terrorists.”
Dressed in a flak jacket and helmet, surrounded by heavily armed guards, Cabello’s rhetoric is uncompromising. He promises swift retribution for anyone who deviates from the ruling party’s line.
Despite Maduro’s removal, the ongoing crackdown on dissent and the media makes one thing clear: the ruling party intends to maintain its grip on Venezuela, regardless of the cost.
One shop owner, a 69-year-old named Oswaldo, voiced the uncertainty felt by many: “The future is uncertain…the Colombian guerrilla is already here in Venezuela, so we don’t know what’s going to happen, time will tell.”
