A U. S.
bombing campaign in Caracas and a subsequent double earthquake killing over 3,000 people have fundamentally altered Venezuela's political and social landscape, according to a report by Dutch media outlet NRC on July 8, 2026.
>>> Mitch McConnell Mourns Sudden Death of Senator Lindsey Graham
Following the January military intervention that resulted in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro—who now faces drug trafficking charges in the United States—interim President Delcy Rodríguez has taken control while cooperating with U.
S. President Donald Trump to manage the nation's massive oil reserves.
Local resident Paula Navas stated that the daily reality in the capital's poorest neighborhoods has shifted significantly since the removal of the previous administration.
"We are all in mourning. Everyone is trying to do something.
We, residents of this slum, do not have much, but we still try to give something, or offer help," said Navas, a 59-year-old resident of the Petare neighborhood who collected children's clothing for earthquake victims.
Navas noted that the presence of armed, government-backed motorcycle gangs has declined significantly in recent months.
"It strikes me that there are much fewer colectivos on the street," said Navas.
Navas explained that she had personal experience with the groups during past political disputes.
"The last time they came to my house was on January 11.
I was at home with my daughters and they wanted to know if I was an opposition supporter.
It was very terrifying. But apart from some warnings and threatening language, fortunately nothing else happened," said Navas.
