US issues warning to US citizens, leave Venezuela immediately

US issues warning to US citizens, leave Venezuela immediately

The U.S. government has issued an urgent warning telling American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately, citing escalating violence and credible reports of armed militia groups targeting U.S. nationals following the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

In a security alert on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the State Department said the security situation “remains fluid” and warned that armed pro-regime paramilitary groups, known as colectivos, have been setting up roadblocks and checkpoints across parts of the country. These groups are reportedly stopping vehicles to inspect occupants for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.

“With international flights now resuming, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately,” the advisory said, urging Americans to remain vigilant and exercise caution when travelling, especially by road. The warning reiterates that Venezuela is under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory — the highest danger level — due to risks including wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping, civil unrest, terrorism, crime and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

The travel alert comes amid a wave of instability since a U.S. military operation earlier this month captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, transporting them to the United States on narco-terrorism charges. While some Venezuelans welcomed Maduro’s removal, the country remains volatile, with armed colectivos and military checkpoints documented around Caracas and along major highways. Journalists and activists have reported rifle-carrying militias inspecting vehicles and searching equipment, heightening fears for foreigners.

Colombia has mirrored Washington’s warning, urging its citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela due to similar safety concerns.

The Venezuelan government dismissed the U.S. advisory as “based on fabricated claims”, asserting that the nation is in a state of “absolute calm, peace and stability” and that all security forces remain under government control.

U.S. officials have stressed that consular services in Venezuela are suspended, meaning American citizens cannot rely on embassy assistance if they encounter legal trouble, health emergencies, or violence.

The warning underscores not only immediate threats to foreign nationals but also the broader breakdown of security in Venezuela as the country grapples with power shifts, armed groups, and uncertainty after years of political turmoil and international intervention.

Key Takeaways

1. Evacuation Urged Now: The U.S. government has ordered American citizens in Venezuela to leave immediately as armed militias set up checkpoints and reportedly target U.S. nationals.

2. Highest Danger Level: Venezuela remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel due to threats including kidnapping, wrongful detention, terrorism and civil unrest.

3. Consular Support Suspended: The U.S. has no functioning embassy operations in Venezuela, leaving Americans without government protection if emergencies arise.

SOURCE: NEW YORK POST