The streets of Caracas remain subdued following the forced removal of President Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela by the US, as residents grapple with an uncertain future. Despite the historic nature of the event, few in the capital are celebrating, reflecting widespread anxiety about what lies ahead for the country.
Maduro was captured in a pre-dawn United States military operation on 3 January, alongside his wife, after months of escalating pressure on his regime.
The operation, which lasted just over two hours, marked a watershed moment in hemispheric politics. American forces transported the Venezuelan leader out of the country, leaving a power vacuum in Caracas.
While some opposition figures have cautiously welcomed the end of Maduro’s rule, ordinary Venezuelans are hesitant to express optimism.
Years of economic collapse, hyperinflation, and shortages of basic goods due to sanctions, have left many sceptical that a swift transition will bring relief.
“We have seen leaders come and go, but our lives remain the same,” said one Caracas resident, reflecting the mood of weary acceptance.
Analysts warn that Venezuela now faces multiple possible scenarios. According to experts, outcomes range from a fragile democratic transition to prolonged instability, or even the rise of new authoritarian figures.
The Conversation outlined five potential paths, including the possibility of a military-backed interim government, a negotiated settlement with opposition parties, or continued unrest if loyalists resist change. The Venezuelan supreme court appointed the Vice President as the acting President for now.
The regional implications are equally significant. The intervention has sparked debate across Latin America, with governments divided over Washington’s unilateral action.
Some fear it sets a foundation for external interference, while others argue it could pave the way for democratic renewal.
In Caracas, however, the immediate concern is survival. Armed supporters of Maduro were seen gathering near the Miraflores presidential palace shortly after the operation, underscoring the risk of clashes.
For many Venezuelans, the uncertainty of who will govern next is compounded by the daily struggle to secure food, medicine, and reliable electricity.
International observers stress that rebuilding Venezuela’s institutions will be a long and complex process. The Council on Foreign Relations noted that the forceful removal of Maduro does not automatically resolve the country’s deep-rooted crises, including corruption, weakened state structures, and fractured political alliances.
For now, Caracas remains tense, with residents caught between cautious hope and lingering fear. The post-Maduro era has begun, but its trajectory is far from clear, meanwhile President Trump announced the US will run Venezuela.
Sources: Venezuelan Council on Foreign Relations, The Conversation, The Guardian
