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People on the streets of Venezuela experienced fear, confusion and relief after the surprise US attack on the country overnight; However, with the news that President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro was captured by US forces, many also dared to express hope.<\/p>\n
A 56-year-old woman from the east of the capital Caracas described to dpa how she experienced the night: “It started after midnight.<\/p>\n
“We heard explosions in the distance and saw lights in the sky: At first, I thought they were firecrackers or fireworks.<\/p>\n
“We also heard planes and helicopters, then it suddenly went completely quiet.<\/p>\n
“Only when we heard that Maduro had been captured were there shouts of joy.”<\/p>\n
“We are happy, but also very afraid, because we don’t know what will happen now, especially since other heads of the government are still there,” the woman continued.<\/p>\n
“Now [9 am\/1300 GMT] the streets here are deserted, like on a holiday.<\/p>\n
“Everything is closed, only the pharmacy on the corner is open, but only as an emergency service through a small window.”<\/p>\n
Reports: Metro not working – many stock up on food<\/strong><\/p>\n According to reports from other residents of the capital, the metro is out of service, and there also seems to be no bus service.<\/p>\n The Colombian broadcaster Caracol reported from an open supermarket in Caracas, where many were stocking up on non-perishable food, canned goods and water. Only groups of 25 people were allowed in at a time.<\/p>\n Residents from the Venezuelan Andean city of M\u00e9rida also reported almost deserted streets. There were only queues in front of some supermarkets – but armed government supporters on motorcycles could also be seen.<\/p>\n A young Venezuelan woman at the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela near C\u00facuta told the broadcaster RCN: “We hope that everything will get better now and that all those who fled Venezuela can return.<\/p>\n “I will now try to reach my family in Caracas as quickly as possible.”<\/p>\n Colombian media speculated that Venezuela might close its borders with the neighbouring country.<\/p>\n A 58-year-old man currently on the island of Margarita, popular with Venezuelan tourists, said: “I’m opening the bottle of whisky I had set aside for this day.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n