The US State Department has issued an urgent warning for its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately, citing active threats from armed militias known as colectivos who are reportedly setting up roadblocks and targeting Americans.
“Venezuela: The security situation in Venezuela remains fluid. As international flights have resumed, US citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately…Remain vigilant and exercise caution when travelling by road,” the statement said. The alert follows the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US special forces, who is now in the US facing narcoterrorism charges.
Despite ongoing talks between US and Venezuelan officials about restoring diplomatic relations, the State Department stressed that Venezuela remains at the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4 – due to severe risks including kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and civil unrest.