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Armed pro-Maduro motorcycle gangs have flooded the streets of Caracas in the volatile aftermath of the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. Known as Colectivos, the groups are accused of targeting Venezuelans believed to support Donald Trump and Washington’s role in the operation. According to the NY Post, residents describe convoys of masked men setting up checkpoints, stopping traffic and searching phones, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the capital.
Armed pro-Maduro bike gangs drive the crackdown
Pro-Maduro bike gangs have been patrolling major roads in Caracas, often moving in large groups and carrying automatic weapons. Witnesses say drivers are stopped at random and ordered to hand over their phones for inspection. Messages, social media posts and photos are checked for signs of support for Trump or the US operation. Those suspected of backing the raid say they were threatened, intimidated or forced to delete content on the spot.
The show of force has left many residents frightened to go about their daily lives. Some people say they now leave their phones at home, while others avoid main roads entirely to escape checkpoints. Journalists report that colleagues have gone into hiding, fearing detention or worse.
Political fallout and rising tension
The interim government has declared a state of emergency and banned any celebration of Maduro’s capture. Security forces have been granted broader powers to detain civilians and search personal devices. Press unions say journalists have already been detained and had equipment searched. Trump has said the US will oversee Venezuela for now, but critics warn the violence on the streets shows how fragile the situation remains, with the risk of further instability still looming.