Washington warns its citizens: Leave Venezuela immediately due to armed checkpoints
In a significant security development reflecting escalating tensions, the US State Department issued an urgent and strongly worded travel warning to its citizens, advising against travel to Venezuela and urging Americans currently there to "leave the country immediately." This warning was based on thorough security assessments indicating that the security situation in the country has become "unstable" and poses a real threat to the safety of Americans.
Details of security threats and "collective" groups
The U.S. State Department, in its official statement, provided alarming details about the nature of the threats facing its citizens. Intelligence and field reports indicate that irregular armed groups, known locally as "colectivos," have intensified their activity in several areas. These groups are setting up random roadblocks, stopping and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or any documents indicating that individuals have ties to the United States.
The "colectivos" are armed entities loyal to the Venezuelan government, and their name has long been associated with intimidation and field control in poor neighborhoods and urban areas, making falling into their hands extremely dangerous, especially in the absence of full consular protection.
Context of political and diplomatic tension
This security warning cannot be separated from the broader context of deteriorating relations between Washington and Caracas. For years, relations between the two countries have been marked by a diplomatic rupture and sharp political tensions, exacerbated by the imposition of stringent US economic sanctions on the Venezuelan regime. This charged atmosphere has made American citizens potential targets for arbitrary arrest or use as political bargaining chips in the ongoing conflict.
Venezuela is suffering from a severe economic and humanitarian crisis that has eroded state institutions and led to the spread of organized crime, making it even more difficult to provide protection for foreigners. The US warning underscores that Washington no longer considers Venezuela a safe environment for any American civilian presence, whether for tourism, business, or even humanitarian purposes.
Safety recommendations and procedures
In light of this information, the U.S. State Department emphasized the need for U.S. citizens currently in the country to exercise extreme caution when making arrangements to leave. Standard recommendations in such situations include avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings, monitoring local media for timely updates, and developing contingency plans for safe departure. This level of warning (Level 4: Do Not Travel) is the highest level of U.S. consular advisories, reflecting the seriousness of the risks.
