Venezuelans who have been fleeing across the border into neighboring Colombia following last weekend's shocking U.S. military intervention have spoken of the sense of fear and helplessness they feel over the situation in their homeland.
U.S. military forces carried out a series of attacks and bombings in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday and forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, before putting them in custody in New York.
The move has shocked the international community and raised serious concerns worldwide, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying that his administration would now "run" Venezuela and not ruling out launching a second round of military operations on an even larger scale.
Trump later issued a stark warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro and, when asked whether he would carry out a military operation in Colombia, he responded: "Sounds good to me."
Tensions are high in the border city of Cucuta, where the Colombian government has deployed 30,000 soldiers in response to the recent U.S. strikes on neighboring Venezuela, while a number Venezuelans have chosen to leave their home country following the events that have unfolded over the past week, with many remaining in shock about the situation.
Among them is Daikels Rodriguez, a housewife and mother who said she has suffered sleepless nights amid the ensuing uncertainty. She also voiced strong concern and dissatisfaction over the U.S. attempt to take control of Venezuela.
"The situation is absolutely terrible. It's unbearable. I can't sleep, I'm filled with fear, and I have no idea what will happen next. The U.S. wants to control Venezuela, which I think is just not right. After all, letting another country's president control Venezuela is really not suitable," she said.
Venezuelans remain fearful after fleeing across border into Colombia
Venezuelans remain fearful after fleeing across border into Colombia
