Eight dead, sixty arrests and more divided opposition than ever: the record of the incredible mercenary incursion on the beaches of Venezuela on May 3 is heavy for the enemies of President Nicolas Maduro. "Not only the operation “Gedeon” did not overthrow Maduro, laments an opposition member. But it strengthened it. "
Juan Guaido, whose role in the affair remains confused, finds himself weakened. The young deputy is recognized as "Legitimate president" of the country by Washington, Paris and more than fifty countries. But the opposition coalition which, sixteen months ago, propelled it to the front of the political scene, is worried: the Democrats criticize the lack of transparency of its management, the supporters of a muscular solution criticize it for its ineffectiveness .
"The" Gedeon "operation proved that Chavismo has always accused the opposition of being putschist and undemocratic", considers Colombian academic Ronal Rodriguez. The Chavist government mobilized its media to make Operation "Gedeon" a new version of the failed landing in the Bay of Pigs – an attempt to invade Cuba in 1961 by Cuban exiles supported by the United States – and pose as a victim of American imperialism.
Conducted as the Covid-19 epidemic and lack of fuel further worsen the situation of a country already shattered by years of recession, Operation "Gedeon" was no distraction. "No more than Maduro, Guaido has no solution to bring to the health crisis, which is the big problem of the moment", underlines Ronal Rodriguez. Supporters of Juan Guaido point out that he, unlike Nicolas Maduro (who, on May 12, extended the confinement for a month) does not govern. But Juan Guaido has the title of "president," and the Venezuelans are demanding results. "For the vast majority of Venezuelans, the only problem is to survive on a daily basis, sums up political scientist Colette Capriles. The political class as a whole is discredited. "
Was Operation Gedeon As Crazy As It Looked? Or is the information on its true scope incomplete? On May 3, a handful of military deserters and American mercenaries disembarked in Macuto, an hour's drive from Caracas. They are neutralized by the army. The next day, a second commando was intercepted in Chuao, further west. Caracas denounces a "Maritime coup" and accuses Juan Guaido, Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque of being the instigators.
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