Venezuelans Navigate Uncertainty After Maduro's Seizure

Thu Jan 08 2026 22:03:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With Nicolás Maduro's recent seizure by U.S. forces, Venezuelans are left grappling with fear and hope for change amidst a complicated political landscape.

In the wake of Nicolás Maduro's seizure by U.S. troops, Venezuelans face an uncertain future, navigating a landscape filled with fear, hope, and mixed reactions about the political shift. As interim president Delcy Rodríguez takes charge, many citizens remain cautious, concerned about the impact of Maduro's removal on their daily lives and personal safety. While some celebrate the news, others express skepticism given the presence of Maduro loyalists and the ongoing economic crisis.

In the days since the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelans have been coming to terms with an uncertain future as a new reality begins to set in.

Marcelo, a student based in Caracas, is among those welcoming Maduro's seizure, although he is careful not to celebrate publicly. There are still allies of Maduro that are in power, so there are a few reasons why we don't celebrate outside of our houses, he told the BBC World Service.

Many opposed to Maduro's government asked to remain anonymous, fearing for their safety. Rosa Contreras, on the other hand, expressed her dismay over the apparent ease with which the U.S. took away her president.

There are significant safety concerns as a result of this operation, including reports of fatalities hurt during the takedown. We've heard that up to 32 members of Cuban security forces were killed, she noted.

Following Maduro's capture, police have ramped up their presence on the streets, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear. Many citizens expressed that despite the removal of Maduro, much remains unchanged, as the regime continues to cling to power through his close ally, Delcy Rodríguez, who is now serving as the interim president.

A 60-year-old opposition activist from the city of Maracaibo reflected on the loss of life during the U.S. operation but welcomed Maduro's removal, stating, The man they took away has done a lot of harm. We're glad they have him over there. However, for others like Gelén Correa, the presence of armed supporters of the old regime causes significant uncertainty about the country's future.

This sentiment was echoed by several Venezuelans, who noted a sudden spike in food prices amidst the already dire economic situation. Despite mixed emotions, many citizens are hoping for a positive change, even as they remain wary of what lies ahead.

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