Venezuelans react to U.S. capture of Maduro and the future of their country : NPR
Three Venezuelans react to the U.S. operation that toppled Nicolas Maduro from power and what long-term U.S. involvement could mean.
TO MARTÍNEZ, HOST:
The Venezuelan people are now wondering what will happen next. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies spoke with three of them.
DAVID MARTIN DAVIES, BYLINE: Elio Mendoza (ph) was awakened in his house on the outskirts of Caracas early Saturday morning by the sound of planes and bomb explosions.
ELIO MENDOZA: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: He turned on the television to find out what was going on. The United States launched a military attack against Venezuela. Mendoza said hours later that the streets in his neighborhood were deserted but tense. He said people stay up to date with news on YouTube. They watched President Trump deliver his speech after the attack.
MENDOZA: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: Mendoza heard Trump say he would send in a government while the situation stabilizes, but the food shortage has already worsened. People stock up on supplies.
In a small town eight hours from Caracas, Marina Garcia (ph) says she hasn’t been able to sleep since the attack.
MARINA GARCIA: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: She was at a street party when, suddenly, the music turned off and everyone was told to go home. Since then, she has been in shock. Garcia said she witnessed her country’s economic collapse. Health care is not available. Food is expensive and rationed when you can find it. Recently, she waited in line for hours, only to be allowed to buy rice, chicken and shampoo. According to the UN, 90% of Venezuelans live in poverty.
GARCIA: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: She said, “I’m not going to forgive this government.” » Garcia said his country needs help and if President Trump wants Venezuela’s oil, that could be a good thing.
Six months ago, Metzli Rodriguez (ph) abandoned Venezuela and moved to Bogota, Colombia. Since 2014, an estimated 8 million Venezuelans have left their country. On Saturday morning, she was surprised that the American attack had happened, but she understood why.
METZLI RODRIGUEZ: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: She said because in Venezuela they live in a dictatorship, but she hopes now that things will change.
RODRIGUEZ: (speaking Spanish).
DAVIES: But his optimism is tempered. She is worried because she doesn’t know what will happen next.
For NPR News, I’m David Martin Davies in San Antonio.
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