Carlos Pérez shared that residents in San Cristóbal, Venezuela, near the Colombian border, are striving to continue their daily routines amid the current air of uncertainty following a recent U.S. military action. Pérez, aged 66, mentioned that Venezuelans have become accustomed to facing challenges and are now getting ready to confront whatever lies ahead. Most individuals he knows are opting to stay close to their homes for the time being. He expressed a sentiment of waiting, much like all Venezuelans, as he crossed the Simón Bolívar International Bridge by foot from Táchira, Venezuela, into Colombia.
San Cristóbal, situated approximately 40 kilometers east of the bridge, has been a crucial point for many Venezuelans seeking to escape a country plagued by economic turmoil and ruled by an authoritarian regime led by Nicolás Maduro. Despite the anticipation of a potential inflow of Venezuelans following the U.S. operation, the Colombian military stationed soldiers and tanks at the bridge’s entrance, yet the expected surge in crossings did not materialize, and the traffic flow remained normal.
Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was apprehended by the U.S. military during a dawn operation on Saturday, involving a significant deployment of aircraft and special forces troops. The pair pleaded not guilty to charges related to narco-terrorism, cocaine, and weapons during their initial court appearance in New York City on Monday.
Escolastica Rodríguez, aged 72, remarked that decisive action was necessary and welcomed, expressing a hopeful outlook for the future. Rodriguez, hailing from Valencia, walked alongside Pérez during a trip across the bridge, which is located approximately 843 kilometers southwest of Caracas.
Venezuelans began leaving their homeland in large numbers starting in 2015 due to economic collapse and escalating repression under Maduro’s rule. The exodus has seen millions of Venezuelans fleeing the country in recent years. Neyla Duarte, aged 43, who left for Colombia 11 years ago, viewed the U.S. operation as a beacon of hope for Venezuela, a sentiment shared by many longing for a return to a better past.
Jelis Mendoza, aged 20, crossing the bridge alongside Duarte, expressed a desire to see positive changes in Venezuela but acknowledged the challenges that still need to be overcome before considering a permanent return. The Trump administration’s move to target Maduro came after months of military buildup in the Caribbean and missile strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels departing from Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government, amid the turmoil, attempted to project stability with a hint of defiance. Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim president, and plans were announced to secure the release of Maduro and Flores from U.S. custody. Despite the ongoing tensions, Venezuelans like Gerson Alvarado, a retired history teacher, emphasized the importance of avoiding internal conflict and urged caution in handling the delicate situation to prevent further unrest.