Venezuela: Security forces briefly detain opposition leader Maria Corina Machado following anti-government protest in Caracas Jan. 9

Further protest activity is likely in Caracas over the coming hours after security forces reportedly detained opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for a brief period following an anti-government demonstration that she attended in the Chacao area of the capital on Jan. 9. The purpose of the protest was to denounce the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro scheduled for Jan. 10. Security personnel opened fire on her motorcycle convoy as she was departing the protest, according to Machado's campaign, and she was forced to record several videos before she was released.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture across Caracas through the presidential inauguration and deploy security forces to the sites of any additional demonstrations that materialize. Transport and business disruptions will likely affect areas subject to protest activity and increased security. Clashes between activists and security personnel will likely accompany anti-government protests and involve the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, rocks, and other objects. Security forces have also used lethal force in the past and may do so to disperse any further protest activity. Destruction of public and private property is also possible.