Daily Express U.S., by Charlie Jones: Fears that a civil war could erupt in Venezuela are growing after heavily armed far-left militias took over the streets of Caracas and the military were seen deserting their posts.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is walking a “tight rope,” an expert has warned, as she tries to balance hard-liners within the government in Venezuela and the looming threat of further US intervention.
Collectivos, a far-left heavily armed militia, are on the streets of Caracas and the tension in the country is sky high. Gunfire erupted last night near the presidential palace, although Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information later claimed it was the police firing at drones that were “flying without permission.” It comes after Maduro confronted a protester who was incarcerated by his regime and gave a shocking remark to a judge.
Speaking to the Express US, Pedro Garmendia, the director of The Pinafore Group, a geopolitical risk and strategic intelligence advisory firm with expertise on Venezuela said: “They are armed with very powerful guns and have been controlling the streets ever since Maduro was taken. In the past, when things have gotten difficult for Chavismo, it’s been the collectivos that have kept power.
“It is telling that the army haven’t taken control of the country. For instance there is the La Carlota airfield, in the middle of the city, a military base targeted by the US. It’s been deserted by the military. All that’s left is a bus blocking the runway.”
Although Rodríguez is now President, there are figures in the government who might not support her.
Garmendia added: “There’s a Venezuelan writer who says countries don’t have a rock bottom. Things could always get worse. I’m speculating but we could see a coup detat in Venezuela. Someone taking advantage of the chaos.”
The powerful interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, is a central figure in the country’s military apparatus. Reports on the ground suggest he has been rallying senior regime figures to resist US influence. In a message to the US, he warned those behind the raid will “regret it for the rest of their lives.”
In a voice message, allegedly sent to military personnel, he said: “These rats attacked, and they are going to regret it for the rest of their lives. Let’s reorganize now, assess where the attacks were, the damage we have, and keep moving forward — always forward, always united. Let’s push ahead.”
Garmendia said: “We had reports that Cabello had been preparing with other hardline members of the administration to take up arms and set up an armed revolution against a Yankee administration. It hasn’t happened yet but the collectivos taking the streets and the army retreating is very telling of concerning situation developing.”
He added that Rodríguez could be forced to turn against the Americans, bringing a fresh threat of invasion. Trump has not ruled out putting “boots on the ground.”
Prophetic Link:
“The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications of the pent-up fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once escaped control, will fill the earth with woe and desolation. The picture which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world, represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated, as black and terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were destroyed. Before the flood, God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christ’s second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of God’s law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ, are offered pardon.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 102.
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