Machado Appeals to Venezuelan Security Forces: “Put Down Your Weapons, Don’t Attack Your People”
in a recent audio message, Venezuelan opposition leader María corina machado directly appealed to members of the Venezuelan security and military forces, urging them to disobey orders she characterizes as repressive and to stand with the people. The message comes amidst increasing international pressure on the Maduro government, including the recent escalation of U.S. operations in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking.
Machado condemned the current state of Venezuela, stating the entire country lives under a form of “kidnapping,” referencing the detention of political prisoners and what she describes as the overall oppression of the population. She accused the government of intentionally inflicting hardship, “separating us from our families, suffocating us, intentionally starving our people.”
A central focus of her message was a plea to those within the Chavista-supporting security forces who she believes are conflicted by their roles. Machado asserted that these individuals are themselves “hostages,” forced to carry out “barbarity” and perhaps burdened by guilt. She highlighted the testimony of the daughter of Lewis Mendoza, a citizen reportedly detained by the regime in Trujillo state, whose emotional plea described a “ruined” childhood.
“Is this what they wont for their own people?” Machado repeatedly asked,challenging the security forces to consider the consequences of their actions. “Sleep in peace after committing this cruelty? Is this the future you want for your children, for your families, for your country?” She warned that the suffering they inflict will not be forgotten, stating, “Those cries of pain will never leave you.”
Machado explicitly called on these forces to “put down your weapons, don’t attack your people,” and to prepare to support the country’s move towards freedom, wich she indicated is “imminent.” She emphasized that their actions at this critical juncture will ”mark their life forever,” and that they will be judged by “history,the law and the Venezuelan people.” She urged them to “go out and embrace the people, your people” when the time for change arrives.
The opposition leader framed the situation as a choice between complicity in repression and becoming agents of positive change, urging officials to “Be a hero and not a criminal. Be a pride and not a shame for your family. Be part of the radiant future of Venezuela and not of the ruin that tyranny destroyed.”
concluding her message, Machado extended an invitation to join the movement for change, stating, “Venezuela and your brothers. We are waiting for you.”
Machado’s statements follow the recent activation of Operation Lanza del Sur by the United States in September,a Caribbean-based initiative intended to disrupt drug trafficking organizations operating,according to Washington,from Venezuela.