Venezuela is no stranger to political chaos, but the latest twist in its ongoing saga could be a game-changer. The Tren del Llano gang, one of the country’s most notorious criminal organizations, has broken ranks with the Maduro regime and issued a stark warning: Stand down or face severe repercussions.
To put it plainly, Venezuela’s political landscape is more volatile than ever. The Tren del Llano gang, which has been a significant player in Venezuela’s underworld since its rise around 2008, has traditionally benefited from the Maduro regime’s protection. Initially involved in car theft, the gang quickly expanded its operations to include extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and contract killings. They were like the Swiss Army knife of crime, doing whatever it took to thrive under a corrupt government.
However, the recent presidential election, fraught with allegations of fraud, appears to have pushed even these hardened criminals past their breaking point. President Nicolas Maduro declared himself the winner in an election many believe was rigged—an assertion that has not gone over well with the Venezuelan people or the Tren del Llano gang.
In a video statement, the gang’s leader issued a dire warning to Maduro and his security forces. He demanded they stand down against the Venezuelan people or face the wrath of his organization. “Do not touch the people; respect the people, respect their decision. Otherwise, bear the consequences,” he declared. This is a significant shift, considering the gang’s historical complicity with the regime.
????| URGENTE: El líder de la banda criminal “Tren del Llano” del estado Guárico, publica un video advirtiendo a las fuerzas de Maduro: “Mi consejo es que escuchando al pueblo, se atrincheren en sus comandos y dejen que el pueblo decida y ponga y quite a quien quiera”. ???????? pic.twitter.com/ghj4AvkHmA
— Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) July 30, 2024
Eduardo Menoni, founder of La Libertad Media, reported that the Tren del Llano gang is actively confronting Maduro’s National Guard in Guárico. They’ve even taken control of police commands and removed posters of Maduro, signaling their rejection of the dictator.
????| URGENTE: La banda el Tren del llano se está enfrentando a la Guardia Nacional de Nicolás Maduro en Guarico, Venezuela. ???????? Dicen “estamos con el pueblo”. Noche larga en toda Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/GZhZqgRnKW
— Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) July 30, 2024
????| URGENTE: La banda el Tren del llano en Guarico, Venezuela; toma el control de un comando policial y quita afiches del dictador Nicolás Maduro, dicen que no van a dejar que repriman al pueblo “Vamos pa alante pueblo, no los vamos a dejar solos”. ???????? pic.twitter.com/hrtnhYAA9q
— Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) July 30, 2024
This development adds another layer to the already complex political crisis in Venezuela. The gang’s defection underscores the growing discontent among Venezuelans suffering under economic collapse and political repression. Even those who once supported Maduro are beginning to turn against him.
The international community is watching closely. With tensions running high and the potential for violence escalating, the situation remains precarious. The Tren del Llano gang’s actions suggest that Maduro’s grip on power is weakening. Whether this will lead to a broader uprising or more significant changes in leadership remains to be seen.