U.S. Embassy Issues Warning in Colombia Amid Venezuelan Turmoil
This past weekend, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, which is the nearest embassy to Venezuela, raised alarms about reports stating that socialist militia groups, commonly referred to as “colectivos,” are reportedly targeting American citizens, as well as individuals seen as supportive of the U.S.
The State Department urged Americans living in Venezuela to “leave immediately,” emphasizing that the U.S. currently lacks the capabilities to ensure their safety. This warning comes in the wake of events surrounding the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the socialist leader.
On January 3, President Trump confirmed that a U.S. military operation had successfully detained Maduro and his associate, Syria Flores, at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. This brief operation coincided with a U.S. law enforcement initiative, which had put a $50 million bounty on information leading to their capture. Both faces serious criminal charges, particularly related to narcoterrorism, and face trials in New York.
With Maduro’s exit, his deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, has assumed control of the regime. While she has suggested the potential for “diplomacy” with the U.S., Trump described her as “cooperative.” Nonetheless, experts argue she may lack authority over the socialist institutions and high-ranking officials. In stark contrast, leaders associated with Chavismo exhibit more aggressive rhetoric. Diosdado Cabello, a significant figure wanted for drug-related charges, has been active in Caracas, intimidating citizens into silence regarding their newfound freedom.
The embassy’s warning, although not specifically naming Cabello, highlighted dangers posed by the colectivos, which have enforced Maduro’s rule over the protesting public for over a decade. Reports indicate these militias are actively searching for Americans, possibly with harmful intentions.
In an alert, the embassy stated that armed groups are reportedly setting up barricades and checking vehicles for signs of U.S. citizenship or allegiances. They advised caution for U.S. citizens traveling by road in Venezuela.
Before Maduro’s removal, the U.S. government had already placed Venezuela on a “no-travel” list for Americans, noting the extreme dangers given the lack of a functioning embassy. There are some rumors that Rodriguez may consider reopening the embassy, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
“All U.S. citizens residing in Venezuela should leave as soon as they believe it’s safe,” the embassy reiterated. “Since the U.S. cannot provide emergency services in Venezuela, those choosing to stay should have safety plans in place.”
In response, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry dismissed the embassy’s warning, insisting that there is no threat to Americans and that the country is in a state of “absolute calm.” They underscored their control over armed forces since the late Hugo Chávez initiated the confiscation of firearms.
Foreign Minister Ivan Gil claimed, via social media, that the embassy’s alert was based on fictitious reports aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear regarding non-existent risks. “Venezuela is peaceful, stable, and secure,” he stated.
However, reports indicate the reality may be different. Over the past week, the regime has made arrests of people celebrating Maduro’s detention and launched intimidating social media posts from Cabello, who has appeared publicly armed with security personnel. Recently, two individuals were arrested for merely celebrating freedom, as reported by local police in the state of Merida.
The regime claims this state of emergency allows them to detain those perceived as sympathetic to the U.S., a situation underscored by José Antonio Colina, president of the NGO Persecution of Venezuelans in Political Exile (VEPPEX), who mentioned aggressive actions by the colectivos to suppress dissent.
Colina noted that these groups have been engaging in door-to-door searches and seizing phones to uncover any opposition against the regime or support for Maduro’s recent arrest. Reports suggest they have set up checkpoints to intercept vehicles and pedestrians to check their mobile devices.
“This oppressive pursuit is being driven by a faction under Cabello’s control,” Colina stated.
This past week on social media, Cabello emphasized loyalty to the regime, sharing images of armed units patrolling. He defended the government’s authority over firearms and reiterated the need to prevent any actions that could destabilize the situation following Maduro’s arrest.
In a televised statement, Cabello reaffirmed that the regime maintains control over arms, citing the confiscation of weapons as a preemptive measure against violence.
The Interior Ministry announced plans for increased patrols in educational areas to safeguard schools against potential unrest, a development that may hint at the regime’s concerns.
“The Bolivarian government vehemently opposes any attempts to incite fear among its population through misinformation,” they stated, alluding to a series of censorship efforts underway. “Our commitment remains clear: to ensure the peace and stability of our people amid the ongoing Bolivarian Revolution.”
