Caracas (AFP) – When explosions boomed in the night and US warplanes roared over Caracas, Jorge Suarez and his companions rushed for their guns. For these members of the ‘colectivos’ — armed loyalists of the leftist leadership — the US raid that ousted Nicolas Maduro as their president was the most dramatic challenge yet. “We’re ready for this. No one here is bowing their head. We’re not afraid of anyone,” says one colectivo.

