Following the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro, paramilitary groups known as "colectivos" have begun a crackdown on suspected dissent in Venezuela. These motorcycle-riding, armed militias are establishing checkpoints and conducting searches to identify and punish individuals believed to support Maduro's removal.
The groups are largely controlled by Diosdado Cabello, a top Maduro ally and a high-ranking official who carries a $25 million U.S. bounty for alleged corruption and drug trafficking. Cabello, now a focal point of the regime's response, was recently seen patrolling Caracas streets with armed supporters.
The government has declared a state of emergency, ordering security forces to capture anyone involved in "promotion or support" of the U.S. military action. This has resulted in the reported detention of journalists and created an atmosphere of fear, with some residents afraid to leave home amid rumors of phone searches for disloyal content.
Analysts suggest the crackdown indicates Maduro loyalists are desperately trying to maintain control, with Cabello emerging as a central and unpredictable figure in the post-Maduro power struggle.
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