Venezuela in the midst of the US military intervention - Notes from Caracas | DW Documentary

Venezuela: A Nation Under Pressure

Key Concepts:

• Political Intervention: US military and economic involvement in Venezuela.
• Human Rights Violations: Torture, political imprisonment, and suppression of dissent within Venezuela.
• Economic Collapse: The devastating impact of mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry and overall economy.
• Exile & Displacement: The mass emigration of Venezuelans seeking refuge from the crisis.
• Fear & Repression: The pervasive atmosphere of fear and the government’s tactics to control the population.
• El Helicoide & La Tumba: Notorious Venezuelan detention and torture centers.
• Los Colectivos: Armed civilian groups loyal to the government.
• Delcy Rodríguez & María Corina Machado: Key political figures involved in the evolving political landscape.

I. Escalating US Involvement & Military Operations

The film opens with a depiction of escalating tensions and direct US military intervention in Venezuela, beginning in September 2025. US armed forces conducted a “extraordinary military operation” in Caracas, targeting alleged drug smuggling. Airstrikes are being carried out on boats in the Caribbean Sea, with the US President Donald Trump accusing Nicolás Maduro’s government of “narcoterrorism.” These actions are described by “several experts” as breaches of international law. The focus on drug smuggling is viewed with skepticism by Venezuelan fishermen, who fear being wrongly accused and targeted. One fisherman recounts a recent incident where colleagues were shot at by a helicopter while fishing, damaging their engine. The situation creates a climate of fear, with fishermen hesitant to venture out to sea. The narrative highlights the disruption of daily life, including a constant lack of running water, and the broader sense of uncertainty and threat.

II. The Human Cost: Political Repression & Torture

A significant portion of the film focuses on the brutal reality of political repression within Venezuela. Edward Ocaríz, a human rights defender, details his experiences as a political prisoner, specifically his time in El Helicoide, described as “the largest torture center in Latin America,” and Hombre Nuevo prison in Tocoyito. He vividly describes the torture method known as “the grilled arepa,” involving prolonged positioning face up and face down, causing severe physical and psychological trauma. Ocaríz lost 42 kilos during his three-and-a-half-month imprisonment. The film emphasizes the systematic nature of the repression, with approximately 1,900 political prisoners protesting fraudulent elections in 2024.

The story of María de los Ángeles Castillo further illustrates the severity of the situation. She disappeared for 68 days, enduring “cruel, inhuman treatment and terrible psychological violence” while held by the DGCIM counter-intelligence police. Her family was forced to flee the country due to threats, leaving her alone in Venezuela. The film underscores the psychological toll of the repression, noting that “your mind can destroy you faster than the torture you may face in prison.” Many individuals interviewed requested anonymity due to fear of retribution.

III. Economic Crisis & the Struggle for Survival

The film paints a grim picture of Venezuela’s economic collapse. The narrator laments the fact that despite possessing abundant natural resources, Venezuela is forced to import basic goods like sugar, coffee, and cocoa. The economic hardship is compounded by the lack of a functioning healthcare system, as illustrated by the story of the narrator’s second father, Nelson, who died from an untreated heart condition due to the cost of surgery.

The film showcases the resilience of ordinary Venezuelans, such as the narrator’s acquaintance who relies on farming and fishing to support his family. However, even these livelihoods are threatened by the political and economic instability. The oil industry, once the backbone of the Venezuelan economy, is in ruins, plagued by corruption and mismanagement.

IV. Shifting Dynamics & US Control of Oil Resources

The narrative shifts to the aftermath of the military intervention, focusing on the potential for US control over Venezuela’s oil industry. An anonymous executive from an oil shipping company suggests that while Venezuelans may not desire US control, the current situation is so dire that receiving even a small percentage of the oil revenue under US management could be a significant improvement.

The film highlights the rapid changes occurring within the oil sector, with American companies re-establishing contact and resuming operations. Donald Trump is quoted stating, “So, you're dealing with us directly. You're not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don't want you to deal with Venezuela.” This statement underscores the extent of US influence and control.

V. Political Polarization & Uncertain Future

The film portrays a deeply divided Venezuelan society. The narrator’s uncle, Luis, is a staunch supporter of Nicolás Maduro and Chavism, participating in demonstrations supporting Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. He dismisses accusations of torture as narratives.

The 2024 elections are widely considered fraudulent by most Venezuelans. Rumors circulate about los colectivos patrolling the streets and suppressing dissent. The film concludes with a sense of uncertainty and fear, questioning whether Venezuela will truly transition to democracy. The narrator reflects on the future of her children and the nation, expressing concern about the ongoing repression and the lack of justice. The final scenes depict families gathering outside prisons, awaiting the release of political prisoners, but also demanding their full and unconditional freedom.

Notable Quotes:

• “Your mind can destroy you faster than the torture you may face in prison.” – (Attributed to experiences shared within the film)
• “They call it ‘the grilled arepa,’ like a sandwich. And the bodies of political prisoners were the arepa.” – Edward Ocaríz, describing a torture method.
• “So, you're dealing with us directly. You're not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don't want you to deal with Venezuela.” – Donald Trump, regarding US control of Venezuelan oil.

Data & Statistics:

• Approximately 8 million Venezuelans are living in exile.
• Around 1,900 political prisoners were held in 2024 following protests against fraudulent elections.
• Edward Ocaríz lost 42 kilos during his 3.5-month imprisonment.
• Oil shipping activity decreased from 120 ships per month to approximately 15 ships.
• María de los Ángeles Castillo was held incommunicado for 68 days.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The film presents a harrowing portrait of Venezuela under immense pressure from both internal repression and external intervention. It reveals a nation grappling with a devastating economic crisis, widespread human rights abuses, and a deeply polarized political landscape. While the US military intervention and potential control of oil resources offer a glimmer of hope for some, the film emphasizes the importance of Venezuelan agency and the need for a genuine transition to democracy, justice, and respect for human rights. The pervasive fear and the stories of individual suffering serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of political turmoil and economic collapse.