Venezuelans Express Concerns Over Food Security Amid Threats of US Military Action

BBC-

While Nicolás Maduro's government is under military threat from US President Donald Trump, everyday Venezuelans are focused on figuring out their meals each day. It's Wednesday morning at Quinta Crespo, a well-known market in downtown Caracas. Here, the potential escalation of conflict isn't the main worry for Venezuelans, who check the news while looking for enough cash in their wallets. "There won't be an intervention, nothing like that. What really concerns us is the rising dollar," Alejandro Orellano tells BBC Mundo as he enjoys a coffee, waiting for customers who never seem to come. In recent weeks, Trump's administration has sent thousands of troops and military resources close to Venezuela, including the largest warship in the world. On Saturday, at least four international airlines cancelled flights to or from the country after a Friday alert from US aviation authorities warned of "increased military activity in or around Venezuela". This follows a series of US airstrikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that resulted in over 80 deaths.

It's part of a larger initiative that the administration claims is necessary to reduce the flow of drugs into the US, but Maduro argues that the military posturing is aimed at ousting him from power. Alejandro minimizes the tensions between Washington and Caracas. He has been selling vegetables in this market for five years. "Look, see how empty it is," he says, pointing to a long, deserted aisle filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. A Christmas carol plays, but the festive spirit feels dampened. The real enemy for the people is clear: the steep rise in food prices and the lack of buying power. This is partly due to the rapid decline of the bolívar, which is expected to lose 80% of its value this year, according to figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Photo Credit: President Nicolas Maduro's Instagram page.