Venezuelans Fear What Comes Next After Maduro Capture

A tense calm has settled over Caracas days after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, leaving residents fearful and uncertain about what comes next.

Residents say security forces and armed pro-government civilian groups are more visible across the capital.

Public transport remains limited, while many people are staying home out of fear of checkpoints, phone searches, and arrests. Authorities have vowed to detain anyone linked to the U.S. operation.

Venezuelan officials say US air strikes killed at least 40 people, destroyed parts of the capital and violated their national sovereignty with the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuelans are divided between fear of ongoing US intervention and celebrating his removal. pic.twitter.com/43hrFbG1pI

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 4, 2026

President Donald Trump has signaled support for interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, who has expressed willingness to work with Washington.

Still, many Venezuelans doubt meaningful change is imminent, noting the same security apparatus remains in place.

Several residents told NBC News they fear renewed U.S. strikes after explosions rocked the city during the weekend operation. Journalists were briefly detained near the National Assembly, underscoring ongoing repression.

Despite the quiet streets, residents say the calm masks deep anxiety as Caracas waits for clarity on Venezuela’s future.

Also read:

Venezuelan Migrants In U.S. Face Deportation Uncertainty After Maduro Capture

Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the United States remain at risk of deportation despite the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has made clear that immigration policy toward Venezuelans has not changed. Officials say deportations will continue, including through the use of the

tippinsightsTIPP Staff

Trump Says U.S. To Take 30-50 Million Barrels Of Oil From Venezuela Under New Plan

President Donald Trump said Venezuela’s interim authorities will sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, days after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump said the oil would be sold at market prices and shipped directly to U.S.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff

Trump Says U.S. Not At War With Venezuela After Maduro Capture

President Donald Trump said the United States is not at war with Venezuela and will not allow new elections there in the next 30 days, following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, according to an interview with NBC News. Trump said Venezuela must first be stabilized before any vote

tippinsightsTIPP Staff