Hope Fades In Caracas As Maduro’s Regime Holds Firm Grip

For many Venezuelans who opposed Nicolás Maduro, his dramatic capture by U.S. special forces briefly felt like the end of an era. But as days pass, political reality has returned — and the regime, minus Maduro, remains firmly in charge.

Interim president Delcy Rodríguez and Maduro’s inner circle continue to run the country, backed by security forces, intelligence units and armed civilian colectivos patrolling the streets. Dissent is being crushed — including arrests of people accused of celebrating Maduro’s removal. Political prisoners have not been released, and intimidation remains widespread.

A classified intelligence assessment reportedly concluded that the regime’s senior figures were still the most capable actors to maintain stability, even as Trump rejected exiled opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado as a transitional leader.

Some Venezuelans now fear their country has simply become a pawn in a great-power struggle over oil, after Trump said up to 50 million barrels would be “turned over” to the U.S. Others, like former political prisoner Luis Mata, insist change is coming — just slowly. “Slice by slice,” he says, urging patience.

But the image of Delcy Rodríguez marching with Maduro’s lieutenants — including powerful strongman Diosdado Cabello — sent a stark message: the system has survived the man.

Former U.S. ambassador James Story says the regime is already rounding up anyone suspected of aiding the U.S. mission — bluntly noting that if that’s happening, “we don’t run the country.”

On the streets of Caracas, many now teeter between hope and resignation. “What else can we lose?” said one resident. After 25 years of economic collapse, some are willing to risk anything — others fear the price of “change” may be sovereignty itself.

Key Takeaways

1. Maduro is gone — but his regime remains intact and repressive.

2. Some Venezuelans fear geopolitical exploitation; others still hope for change.

3. U.S. claims of control appear overstated as regime elites consolidate power.

Source: NBC News

Sigh. Another situation of, "after the gunfire stops, now what?" Didn't we learn anything from the Iraq fiasco?

Over to to orange Don' who will tells us how he managed to end his 9th' war after starting it the same day, an go on telling you you need to fill the vacuum with bleach 🤔

Didja ever stop to think the US is propped up by ICE, the National Guard and militarised police?

I sure didn't see footage of Venezuelans celebrating the invasion of their country and kidnapping of their President. Some may argue, perhaps they felt intimidated.

Nevertheless, the invasion has entrenched Maduro's policies and his supporters.

The US has no business there.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/us-citizens-venezuela-paramilitaries

Hunting for Americans.

The United States has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately amid reports that armed paramilitaries are trying to track down US citizens, one week after the capture of the South American country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.

In a security alert sent out on Saturday, the state department said there were reports of armed members of pro-regime militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence that the occupants were US citizens or supporters of the country.

This is coming up in my mind.............and not only for Venezuela.

Seems Rodriguez is playing her cards on both sides of the table. Trump figured she'd just do as she was told. Seems she will comply with the U.S. only if it's in her regime's interests. Trump is learning he's not the only one who can be 'transactional'.

Bet the Penguins are next in line !

On 1/11/2026 at 2:32 PM, ronnie50 said:

Seems Rodriguez is playing her cards on both sides of the table. Trump figured she'd just do as she was told. Seems she will comply with the U.S. only if it's in her regime's interests. Trump is learning he's not the only one who can be 'transactional'.

She actually has a really tough job now. She must compromise with the US, without being considered as a traitor by the Bolivarian regime and militias.

On 1/8/2026 at 11:57 AM, Social Media said:

classified intelligence assessment reportedly concluded that the regime’s senior figures were still the most capable actors to maintain stability, even as Trump rejected exiled opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado as a transitional leader

Ah yes "maintain stability"; for those who have power, and for those elsewhere with, umh, "economic interests", always trumps (see what I did there?) liberty, democracy and the interests of the people!