As some Venezuelans in the U.S. celebrate the latest military action, residents inside Venezuela describe a very different reality—one marked by explosions, empty streets, and deep uncertainty.
Overnight U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan military sites jolted communities across the country, leaving families frightened and unsure of what comes next.
While reactions abroad have been mixed, journalist Ivana Laura, who lives in western Caracas, says the mood on the ground is dominated by fear.
“Last night I was very nervous,” Laura said. “Even though there was tension for months between the United States and Venezuela, I never thought I’d live something like this in my life.”
Laura says one of the bombings occurred near her neighborhood. Around 2 a.m., she heard an unfamiliar sound followed by a powerful explosion.
“You could hear a very strange noise,” she said. “Then came the impact, the detonation. It was like thunder that moved my house.”
Since the strikes, much of Caracas has gone quiet. Streets remain largely empty, with residents leaving their homes only when necessary—for food, medicine, or water. Many stores remain closed.
Laura says a government call urging citizens to take to the streets and defend the country has largely gone unanswered.
“I don’t feel like that call has been answered,” she said. “People went out to look for food, to look for medicines, and then to take refuge in their homes again.”
The military action comes as Venezuela continues to face a severe economic crisis. Inflation has surged past 500 percent in recent months, driving already high food prices even higher.
“The food was very expensive this morning—more expensive than normal,” Laura said.
Despite years of hardship, Laura says many Venezuelans still hope for new leadership and a future free from economic collapse—one where people can speak freely without fear. But for now, uncertainty dominates daily life.
“I don’t know if I can sleep normally,” she said. “I’m a little scared that the attacks will continue.”
She added that confusion about the country’s political future only deepens residents’ anxiety.
“We don’t know who will govern or how,” Laura said. “There is no clarity about what the next step will be.”
For now, Laura says people in Caracas, and other Venezuelan cities are staying indoors—waiting, watching, and hoping the violence does not continue.