The US State Department has stepped up its warnings to American citizens currently in Venezuela. On Saturday, the Bureau of Consular Affairs said that with the resumption of international flights, US citizens must immediately leave the country, DKNews.kz reports.
The statement was published on social media platform X and stressed that Venezuela’s security situation remains unstable and unpredictable.
Roadblocks and armed groups
According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, reports continue to emerge about the activities of armed pro-government groups known as colectivos.
There are reports of armed militias setting up roadblocks and stopping vehicles to search for US citizens or individuals believed to be supporting the United States, - the bureau said.
Americans who remain in Venezuela are advised to exercise extreme caution while traveling by road, avoid unnecessary movement, and closely monitor airline updates and official websites for the latest information.
Highest travel warning level
The State Department reiterated that Venezuela is under the highest travel advisory - Level 4: Do Not Travel.
According to the advisory, US citizens face severe risks in the country, including:
- unlawful detention
- torture in detention facilities
- terrorism
- kidnapping
- arbitrary enforcement of local laws
- violent crime
- civil unrest
- a weak and overburdened healthcare system
US officials say these risks make Venezuela extremely dangerous for American nationals.
Against the backdrop of US military action
The warning comes just days after the United States launched a large-scale military operation early on January 3. According to Venezuelan authorities, the operation resulted in the forceful capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The events triggered condemnation and deep concern worldwide, with many countries warning about the risk of further escalation and instability in the region.
A country on the edge
Analysts say Venezuela’s situation is rapidly deteriorating. Rising military pressure, political uncertainty, and the growing presence of armed groups have created an increasingly dangerous environment for foreigners.
Washington’s call for its citizens to leave immediately is seen as another sign that the crisis in Venezuela is no longer a purely internal matter and is increasingly taking on an international dimension.
