Venezuelans voice uncertainty, fear and skepticism after arrival of US aircraft carrier in region

From concern to skepticism, Venezuelans in Caracas are expressing a range of emotions a day after the United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier strike group arrived in the Latin American region and intensified the friction between both nations.

The US Navy says the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will support other warships that have been carrying out deadly strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean over the past two months.

Though Washington insists the military buildup is aimed at disrupting the flow of narcotics to the United States, Caracas believes the US is really trying to force regime change, and some US officials have privately conceded their strategy is aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro.

That sentiment is shared by some Venezuelan citizens in Caracas’ El Rosal office district, who say the US should stay out of other countries’ affairs.

“It seems the United States shouldn’t interfere in that way. I think it’s an abuse,” says Noemí Lozada, a housewife.

José Román, a salesman, says that although he feels there is an imminent threat, people are acting as if nothing is happening. “We are not a warmongering country. I don’t think we ever have been, and I don’t think anyone here has prepared for this, nor will they.”

However, Frank Molina, a personal trainer, says he already knows what he would do if the situation with the United States were to escalate to confrontation. “We are Venezuelans and we will die with our boots on, and I am proud to be Venezuelan and I will defend my homeland to the death,” he says.

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have simmered for months amid the potential for more direct action.