Post by : Rameen Ariff

Caracas— Venezuela’s fragile opposition is experiencing fresh turmoil as increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and Pacific intensifies divisions among its key leaders. The growing U.S. presence has sharpened disagreements between opposition figures Maria Corina Machado and Henrique Capriles, both long-time rivals but formerly united in their opposition to President Nicolas Maduro.

Since September, the U.S. has conducted over a dozen strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the region, signaling a forceful approach to pressure Maduro’s government. President Donald Trump, while denying plans for direct strikes inside Venezuela, hinted at further actions, escalating tensions across the region.

Maduro, now in his controversial third term amid widespread election fraud allegations, has accused the U.S. of pursuing regime change. He vowed resistance against what he calls an “imperialist threat,” promising that Venezuela’s military and people will stand firm.

Within Venezuela, the opposition alliance known as the Unitary Platform is fracturing under the weight of these developments. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner currently in hiding after being barred from running in the 2024 election, supports Washington’s intensified stance, branding Maduro a regional danger. Her camp enjoys strong popular support, with a Panterra poll in August revealing that 70% of Venezuelans oppose Maduro’s ruling party and favor U.S. backing of Machado.

Capriles, a two-time presidential candidate, opposes military intervention and advocates renewed dialogue despite previous failed negotiations. His participation in this year’s parliamentary elections, boycotted by Machado’s faction, has drawn criticism for allegedly legitimizing Maduro’s regime.

“Negotiation will always be better for Venezuela’s future,” Capriles asserted, emphasizing diplomacy as the only viable path forward.

Amidst this political turmoil, ordinary Venezuelans face uncertainty as the government cracks down on opposition through arrests, exiles, and citizenship revocations. With the opposition divided and the government unwilling to cede power, Venezuela’s future remains precarious in the face of growing regional instability.

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