The months leading up to the potential removal of Nicolás Maduro, stemming from increased international pressure adn discussions of possible intervention, were marked by important fear and uncertainty for those close to the Venezuelan leader.
According to reports, Maduro expressed deep anxieties about potential detention, particularly in light of discussions surrounding possible U.S. involvement.He voiced concerns about prolonged imprisonment and being forgotten, stating, “One thinks about madness, is afraid of madness. Not afraid of dying,no. Yes, afraid of being forgotten and remaining there for many years. I never thought I would get out. I thought I would die in jail.”
These statements reflect the heightened tensions and perceived threats during a period when Maduro’s grip on power was increasingly challenged by internal opposition and external scrutiny. While a direct military operation leading to his detention on January 3rd did not materialize, the possibility was seriously considered and contributed to a climate of fear and apprehension within the Venezuelan goverment.