While Nicolás Maduro's government lives on edge under a military threat from the US, ordinary Venezuelans spend their time trying to figure out what to eat each day.
It's Wednesday morning at Quinta Crespo, a market in Caracas. Here, a possible escalation of the conflict is not the main concern of Venezuelans, who glance at the news while checking their wallets.
There's not going to be an intervention, nothing like that. What's really troubling us is the rise of the dollar, says Alejandro Orellano.
In recent weeks, the US has deployed troops and military assets close to Venezuela. International airlines have canceled flights following warnings of heightened military activity.
The Maduro government claims these actions aim to remove him from power, while citizens like Alejandro express their greater fear about food prices skyrocketing due to currency devaluation.
For many in Caracas, the talk of invasion is overshadowed by the harsh reality: a kilo of chicken costs about four times the minimum monthly wage.
Consuelo, 74, remains skeptical about a US attack, believing the economic crisis is a more pressing threat. Let whatever happens happen! And that's it! she says, prioritizing mental health and stability over the anxiety of possible conflict.
In Caracas, daily life continues as usual despite government warnings to prepare for a US invasion. Javier Jaramillo echoes others' sentiments, noting: We're more worried about food. Venezuela is in bad shape. Inflation is eating us alive.
The overarching economic instability, with predictions of ongoing inflation by the IMF, reflects the sentiments of a society caught between survival and geopolitical rhetoric.
