The dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces has elicited a wave of complex emotions from citizens of the South American nation. Among them is Maria Yeoshen Martinez, a Venezuelan woman who has publicly shared her candid perspective, describing the event as a "sad episode in our history" while simultaneously expressing relief at the dictator's removal.
A Swift Military Operation and Mixed Emotions
In a bold early morning operation on Saturday, January 3, 2026, elite US Army Delta Force personnel captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Venezuelan soil. The couple was subsequently flown to the United States to face federal narco-terrorism charges. This unprecedented military intervention has sent shockwaves across the globe.
Maria Yeoshen Martinez, in a detailed Facebook post, articulated the conflicted sentiment shared by many in her circle. "I don’t support / like Trump," she began, firmly establishing her political stance. "But as a Venezuelan and every Venezuelan person I know we are happy that this murderer/dictator was taken." Her statement underscores a painful dichotomy for many Venezuelans: gratitude for an end to Maduro's rule, paired with unease over foreign intervention.
The Civilian Struggle and a Nation's Plight
Martinez emphasized that the civilian population had exhausted all peaceful, democratic avenues to effect change. They had tried everything within their civilian power to remove the Maduro administration but met with no success. She cited proof of stolen elections and the imprisonment of protesters, including minors, as hallmarks of the regime's repression.
She acknowledged the widespread belief that the US is primarily interested in Venezuela's vast oil reserves. However, she pointed out a bitter irony: "Yes, our mineral resources are the aim, but since decades we haven’t enjoyed any benefits from our oil." Under Maduro's leadership, she claims the citizenry was impoverished, transforming Venezuela from a once-rich nation into a place where "filling your car with petrol was cheaper than a bottle of water."
Life in Venezuela: An Indescribable Nightmare
Martinez painted a grim picture of daily life, calling it a nightmare beyond words. This suffering, she explained, has triggered the largest exodus in the Americas. Of Venezuela's approximately 33 million people, a staggering 9 million have fled the country—almost one-third of the population.
"It’s hard to understand how hard it is to live in Venezuela," she wrote, noting that this personal experience makes her reluctant to comment on conflicts in other nations. She feels the situation in Venezuela is deeply misunderstood by outsiders.
Global Reactions and Hopes for the Future
The post from Maria Yeoshen Martinez resonated widely, attracting supportive comments from a global audience. Supporters from groups like Con Vzla Comando Australia New Zealand agreed that the situation is complex but hailed Maduro's capture as a "big step toward freedom." Other commenters, such as Karen Rounce and Corina Pixarina, thanked her for providing crucial firsthand insight amidst widespread misinformation.
Many well-wishers, including Kylie Anne, expressed hope that the US action would lead to real, substantial, and positive changes for Venezuela, allowing its people to live in peace and safety.
This sentiment echoes another viral reaction from a different Venezuelan woman, who broke down in tears upon hearing the news. She described how the maladministration robbed her of her childhood, viewing Maduro's capture as an incredible, historic moment that paves the way for national growth.
While no Venezuelan welcomes an invasion, Martinez's testimony reveals a populace so desperate for change that they see the extraction of their leader as a criminal, not a head of state, as a necessary tragedy—a sad but pivotal chapter in their nation's troubled history.
