The U.S. government has issued an urgent security alert recommending that American citizens currently in Venezuela leave the country immediately due to escalating security concerns. Citing reports of armed groups and the inability to provide emergency assistance, the alert highlights significant risks posed to U.S. citizens.
On January 10, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, stating, “U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately.” The embassy’s warning detailed alarming reports of armed militias, known locally as colectivos, who have been active on Venezuelan roads, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.
This advisory comes as international travel options begin to reopen, with the embassy stating, “As international flights have resumed, U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately.” The United States Department of State continues to classify Venezuela at its highest travel warning level, designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel.
According to the State Department, the risks in Venezuela include wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and civil unrest. These dangers have prompted the embassy to clearly advise against travel to the country. The State Department noted, “Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level due to severe risks to Americans.”
Since March 2019, the U.S. Department of State has withdrawn all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, significantly limiting its capacity to provide consular assistance. The embassy reiterated this point, stating, “The U.S. government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.”
Given the current climate, officials have issued unequivocal warnings to Americans in the country. The embassy stressed that citizens should leave Venezuela as soon as they feel it is safe to do so.
The security alert underscores the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela, where armed groups have increasingly targeted individuals perceived to be associated with the United States. As the situation evolves, the U.S. government is focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad while navigating the complexities of international relations in the region.