U.S. Issues Urgent Alert for Americans in Venezuela

The U.S. government has issued a security alert advising its citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately due to safety concerns, as communicated by the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

“Do not travel to Venezuela; Depart immediately,” was the clear warning from the embassy on Saturday.

This warning is linked to reports of armed militia groups operating on Venezuelan roads. Specifically, the embassy mentioned

“armed militias, referred to as ‘colectivos,’ are establishing roadblocks and searching vehicles for signs of U.S. citizenship or support.” It urged Americans in Venezuela to stay vigilant.

The embassy highlighted “severe” risks for U.S. citizens, including threats like wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, alongside concerns about poor health infrastructure.

Last year, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had repeatedly cautioned about increased military activities in Venezuela’s airspace and ultimately imposed a ban on U.S. aircraft there. Notably, on January 3rd, the U.S. executed a strike in Caracas aimed at detaining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, on narcoterrorism charges.

With international flights now resuming, the U.S. Embassy has encouraged those in Venezuela to take advantage of this situation to leave.

The embassy has laid out several recommendations for U.S. citizens:

• Avoid traveling to Venezuela.
• Take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
• Leave the country as soon as it feels safe to do so.
• Monitor flight information, as some airlines have resumed operations, though tickets may be scarce.
• Establish multiple communication methods with family or friends outside Venezuela.
• If staying, prepare contingency plans for potential emergencies, as the U.S. cannot provide emergency services within the country.