Amanze Chinonye
The Venezuelan government has ordered security agencies to arrest anyone accused of supporting the recent U.S. military operation in the country, escalating an internal crackdown following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
According to a decree published by the government and reviewed by international media, police forces at national, state and municipal levels have been instructed to “locate, identify and immediately detain” individuals who promoted, collaborated with or expressed support for what authorities described as a U.S. “armed attack” against Venezuela.
The order was issued under a declared State of External Commotion, granting the executive broad emergency powers, including expanded authority over arrests, surveillance and prosecutions. The decree states that those detained will face criminal charges related to treason, collaboration with foreign forces and threats to national sovereignty.
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The move follows a U.S.-led military operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro, who was transferred to the United States and later appeared in a federal court in New York. Washington has said the operation was aimed at dismantling what it called a criminal network tied to narcotics trafficking and regional destabilisation, while Venezuelan authorities have denounced it as an illegal invasion.
In the wake of the operation, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed interim presidential authority, pledging to “defend the republic by all constitutional and revolutionary means.” Her administration has framed the arrests as necessary to prevent internal sabotage and restore order amid what it describes as foreign-backed destabilisation efforts.
Independent reporting indicates the decree has triggered a broader wave of repression. Journalists, activists and opposition figures have reported detentions, confiscation of communication devices and increased military presence in major cities, including Caracas. Press freedom groups have raised concerns that the vague definition of “support” could be used to silence dissent and target critics of the government.
The Financial Times reported that emergency measures have effectively suspended certain civil liberties, including protections related to public assembly and expression, as authorities seek to consolidate control following the sudden leadership upheaval.
International reaction has been mixed. While U.S. officials have maintained that Washington will not assume day-to-day governance of Venezuela, they have confirmed continued enforcement of economic and oil-related restrictions. Human rights organisations, however, have urged Venezuela to respect due process and international law, warning that mass arrests could worsen the country’s already fragile humanitarian situation.
As tensions remain high, analysts say the decree marks a decisive shift toward tighter internal control by the interim government, signalling that political fallout from the U.S. operation is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
