Venezuela's Tense Streets: What's Next After Maduro's Arrest?

Things are getting scary in Venezuela. Armed groups, called Colectivos, are stopping people on the streets. They check phones and cars, looking for anyone who supports the U. S. after they captured Nicolás Maduro. These groups are loyal to Maduro and are trying to keep control. People are worried. A shop owner named Oswaldo says the future is unclear. He's afraid of what might happen next. Others are too scared to leave their homes. They don't want their phones checked for messages against Maduro. The government has ordered police to find and arrest anyone who supports the U. S. operation. So far, they've detained 14 journalists. Some were released, but others are still missing. Maduro's allies are trying hard to stay in power. Videos show armed men saying they won't let the U. S. take Venezuela's resources. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of Maduro, is in charge of these groups. While all this is happening, Maduro is in the U. S. He claims he's innocent and says he's a "prisoner of war. " Back in Venezuela, his supporters say they will fight for the country.Shops and businesses have reopened, but people are still worried. The vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has taken over. She says she's sorry for the suffering caused by the U. S. attack. But many Venezuelans are disappointed. They hoped Maduro's capture would bring change, but now it seems like nothing has changed. The constitution says there should be an election within 30 days if the president can't serve. But the Supreme Court says Maduro's absence is temporary. This means the vice president can stay in power for up to six months. Opposition leader María Corina Machado says the crackdown is alarming. She believes the country needs a transition to democracy. But there's no talk of elections yet. The future of Venezuela is still uncertain. People have different opinions. Some, like Aurora, hope for a change. Others, like a sports coach, wish things could stay calm. Many are concerned about the U. S. deciding Venezuela's future instead of holding fair elections.