Many Venezuelans are striving to recover from the shock following the 3/1 incident, when a US military operation rattled the capital Caracas and its surroundings, sparking fears of prolonged political and economic instability.

Residents shop at a market in Caracas on 4/1. Photo: AFP

Mariela Gonzalez, 52 years old, owner of a beauty and makeup store in the northwestern Venezuelan city of Barquisimeto, said she discussed with industry friends via WhatsApp and decided to reopen on 5/1 after closing for the weekend.

"We are worried, but we cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed", Gonzalez said.

US President Donald Trump declared the US would "govern" Venezuela during the country's leadership transition, and threatened military action if the new interim government did not cooperate with Washington.

Following the weekend's panic buying spree, customer traffic at the store on 5/1 was lower than usual.

"We are open because we have to work and sell perishable food. However, people are only coming to buy basic necessities", Rosendo Linarez, 38 years old, a supermarket manager in Barquisimeto, said.

In Maracaibo, Venezuela's second-largest city in western Zulia state, taxi and bus drivers estimated more than one-third of their colleagues were staying home out of fear and a lack of customers.

"Very few customers, a tense, quiet atmosphere", Marielys Urdaneta, 41 years old, a driver, said she still went to work because she needed money. "I go because I need to earn money. Fear or no fear, I still have to make a living".

Douglas Sanchez, a snack vendor at a stall in Caracas, said, "Even if we are suffering or desperate, we still need to go out and work, earn money to buy food and necessities, because otherwise, we will have nothing in hand".

Avenida Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, on 5/1. Photo: Reuters

Daniel Morillo, 30 years old, who migrated to Peru five years ago, was visiting his hometown of Maracaibo for the Christmas holiday. After the weekend's events, he would cut his trip short, using his remaining money to buy medicine and food for his parents.

"I used to think I would leave my hometown sadly just because I had to say goodbye to my parents, but I never imagined I would leave with a heavy heart, having to be away from them amidst this instability", Morillo said.

By Hong Hanh (According to Reuters)