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News Topical, Digital Desk : Just a day after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a surprise US military action, the capital, Caracas, wore an uncanny calm on Sunday. Vehicles were sparse on the streets, and most shops, petrol stations, and other businesses remained closed. Uncertainty and fear were palpable among the people.
Caracas is usually bustling with activity, but on Sunday, the situation was completely different. According to news agencies, President Maduro and his wife have been charged with narco-terrorism in New York. Following this major development.
Peace prevails in Venezuela
Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been declared interim president by the country's Supreme Court. According to reports, she currently has the support of the United States. This decision was made under the Constitution, but the public is completely confused about what will happen next in the country.
The situation was different after the US military action early Saturday. That day, long lines were seen at shops and petrol stations as people stocked up on essential supplies in anticipation of a major crisis. On Sunday, tensions appeared to ease, but not completely dissipate. Streets normally filled with joggers and cyclists were empty.
US conditions for support
The signs of US strikes were clearly visible in the La Guaira area outside the capital. Holes were visible in the walls of many homes, and people were seen clearing debris. In some places, buildings were damaged by explosions.
In a poor area of eastern Caracas, Daniel, a 66-year-old construction worker, said there was no morning prayer service at church. He said people remained indoors because they feared government action if they celebrated Maduro's departure.
Meanwhile, the United States has stated that it is ready to work with Venezuela's current leadership, provided they make the right decisions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will make its next decision based on the leaders' actions. Rubio warned that the US has several means of exerting pressure if the right decisions are not made.
It's all about oil
Oil is a key aspect of this entire crisis. Venezuela has the world's largest known oil reserves, although a large portion of it remains untapped. Trump has said that American companies will extract oil there that Maduro and previous governments have failed to exploit.
Meanwhile, Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, has ordered some joint projects to reduce crude oil production. Following the US blockade of sanctioned tankers and the seizure of two oil shipments, oil exports have virtually come to a halt and storage is rising.
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