Venezuelans described a day of fear, confusion, and long lines for fuel and food on Sunday, following U.S. airstrikes on military installations around Caracas on Saturday. The strikes, which targeted airbases near the capital city, rattled residents and disrupted daily life.

Helena Carpio, a journalist living in Caracas about a mile from one of the targeted airbases, recounted the experience. "I couldn't sleep that night, and I was awake," Carpio said. "And all of a sudden, I heard the windows trembling so hard that I thought it was an earthquake." She realized after the third explosion that it was something else. "To be honest, I think many Venezuelans have had U.S. intervention of some," she added, hinting at the historical context of U.S.-Venezuelan relations.

The U.S. strikes represent a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The reasons behind the strikes remain a point of contention, with the U.S. government yet to release an official statement detailing the specific justifications. However, analysts suggest the action may be linked to ongoing disputes over Venezuelan government policies and alleged threats to regional stability.

The immediate aftermath saw widespread disruption to supply chains, leading to long queues at gas stations and food stores. The uncertainty surrounding the situation fueled anxiety among the population, many of whom were already grappling with economic hardship.

The long-term implications of the strikes are still unfolding. Political analysts are closely monitoring the response from the Venezuelan government and the international community. The potential for further escalation remains a concern, as does the humanitarian impact on the Venezuelan people. The situation highlights the complex interplay of geopolitics and the vulnerability of civilian populations in times of conflict.