Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has declared that the country is at a crucial juncture, highlighted by the deployment of United States military forces off its coast and increasing internal rifts within the Chavismo movement. In a conversation with La Tercera, Machado emphasized that "the vast majority of the Armed Forces and civilian security bodies stand with us," and warned that top military officials must choose between "sinking with Maduro or saving themselves by supporting the transition process."
An Internationally Pressured Regime
Machado emphasized that Venezuela's crisis is not merely political but also criminal. She pointed out that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has accused the regime of crimes against humanity and state-sponsored terrorism. Despite being the nation with the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela has been driven into poverty "by a system designed to subjugate the populace, displace millions, and enrich itself through looting and drug trafficking." Furthermore, she highlighted that, according to the DEA, 24% of the world's cocaine now passes through Venezuela, which has become a crucial conduit for trafficking to the U.S. and Europe. In this context, she praised Washington's decision to treat the Chavista regime as a criminal organization and deploy a naval force to confront the Cartel of the Suns.
Trump Takes a Firm Stance
Machado supported the White House's strategy, asserting that this situation differs from previous military deployments. "Venezuela has changed after five years of hunger and persecution, but also of organization. Today, over 90% of Venezuelans are united by a single goal: to remove Maduro and rebuild the country," she remarked. When asked about potential fractures within the Armed Forces, she noted that the strain is evident: "Never before has there been such concern across all structures that once supported the regime. Social pressure is irreversible and has reached the top ranks." In a prior interview with Fox News, she had already warned that "Trump is not joking" and that the generals are aware of this.
Maduro's Growing Isolation
The regime of Nicolás Maduro responded to the military presence by mobilizing 4.5 million militia members and increasing patrols with drones and warships. For Machado, this is a desperate gesture: "The plazas were empty. People laugh at these threats. The nation repudiates it." She also noted that international isolation is expanding. Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay have declared the Cartel of the Suns a terrorist organization, while Chile presented evidence in The Hague regarding Chavismo's involvement in the murder of Lieutenant Ojeda, executed by the Tren de Aragua. "The information is overwhelming. No one can deny that this is a criminal enterprise," she asserted.
Regional Impact: Cuba Under Scrutiny
Machado reiterated that Maduro's removal will have a domino effect across the region, particularly in Cuba. "The political, economic, and intelligence framework linking Caracas with Havana will collapse with Maduro's fall. It will mark the beginning of the end for the Cuban dictatorship," she stated. In line with previous statements, she insisted that Venezuela's liberation will also destabilize other allied authoritarian regimes, such as Nicaragua.
Decisive Hours Ahead
Machado concluded that the nation is facing "decisive hours" that will determine the future of Venezuela and the continent, urging the military to choose the right side of history. "There is no middle ground here. Either they sink with Maduro and his criminal system, or they help save Venezuela and themselves. Freedom is near," she concluded.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Current Crisis
What is the role of the United States in Venezuela's current situation?
The United States has deployed military forces off the coast of Venezuela as part of its strategy to treat the Chavista regime as a criminal organization and confront the Cartel of the Suns. This indicates a firmer stance against the Maduro regime.
How has the international community responded to Maduro's regime?
Countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay have labeled the Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization, while Chile has presented evidence of Chavismo's involvement in serious crimes to international bodies. This reflects growing international isolation for Maduro’s regime.