U.S. Sees Sweeping Protests After Military Strikes on Venezuela

(MENAFN) Crowds flooded Manhattan streets Saturday in forceful opposition to Washington's military strike that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's detention, as parallel demonstrations erupted coast-to-coast.

The mobilization represented one component of coordinated nationwide "No war on Venezuela" actions spanning over 100 American cities, with simultaneous gatherings reported in Washington, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami.

Demonstrators converged on Times Square brandishing placards declaring "Hands off Venezuela," "U.S. out of Caribbean," "No war for Venezuelan oil," and "Defend Venezuela against U.S. imperialism." Rhythmic chants proclaiming "Defend Venezuela, Free Maduro" reverberated throughout the assembled protesters.

Protesters Frame Military Action as Resource Grab
Karen, a middle-aged New Yorker participating in the march, dismissed official justifications for the intervention.

"This war is not about drugs, it is about Venezuela's oil," she stated.

Questioning American authority to conduct such operations, she demanded: "How do you have the right to step in Venezuela, to attack Venezuela?" Adding: "It feels like we act as criminals."

"We are here to say that this is an unjust action," she emphasized.

Hassan, a Pakistani college student attending the demonstration, argued Washington's pattern of foreign regime change efforts has long existed "but at least it wore a mask, like in the name of restoring democracy in the Middle East."

"However, today it takes the mask off," Hassan declared. "This is quite nakedly about oil and natural resources."

Trump Announces US Will Govern Venezuela During Transition
President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday his administration executed strikes against Venezuela and secured Maduro's capture, with the Venezuelan leader and his wife transported out of the country by air.

Trump stated the United States will "run" Venezuela until "a safe, proper and judicious transition."

Rally speakers at Times Square rejected that vision outright.

"This is not gonna happen," one speaker proclaimed in direct response. "It's arrogance."

"Listen to what Trump said today when he said, 'we want all your oil, all your land, all your assets, turn it over to us,'" the speaker continued.

"The Venezuelan people will not accept the United States running their country or stealing their oil, gas, gold, or any resources. There will be strong resistance," she asserted. "No, that age is over."

Anti-War Coalition Demands End to 'Endless War'
Organizing group Answer Coalition—representing Act Now to Stop War and End Racism—issued condemnation of Caracas bombing operations and Maduro's capture, urging Americans to "say no to another endless war."

"A U.S. war would cause death and destruction to the people of Venezuela. The war machine consumes an unimaginable amount of our tax dollars while working families struggle to make ends meet," the anti-war organization stated. "The people need to take to the streets and say no to Trump's war on Venezuela!"

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