The U.S. government has issued a fresh security alert urging American citizens currently in Venezuela to depart the country without delay. This warning, released on Saturday by the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, highlights increasing security threats and the limited capacity of the U.S. government to offer emergency assistance.
“U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately,” stated the embassy in a security alert dated January 10.
The alert underscores reports of armed groups actively operating on Venezuelan roads, posing significant risks to travelers.
“There are reports that armed militias, known locally as ‘colectivos,’ are setting up roadblocks and inspecting vehicles for any signs of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States,” the U.S. Embassy in Caracas elaborated.
This advisory comes as international travel opportunities are once again available.
“With the resumption of international flights, U.S. citizens in Venezuela are strongly advised to leave the country immediately,” the embassy emphasized.
Pro-government armed civilians block streets in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, after President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The U.S. Department of State continues to list Venezuela at its highest travel warning level.
“Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans,” the State Department said.
Those risks include “wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure,” according to the State Department.
Demonstrators critical of the government clash with the security forces of the state in Venezuela. (Rafael Hernandez/picture alliance/Getty Images)
The embassy said Americans in Venezuela should not expect consular assistance.
“In March 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations,” the embassy said. “The U.S. government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.”
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro protests his removal from the country by U.S. forces Jan. 3. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
As part of the alert, officials issued a clear warning to Americans.
“Do not travel to Venezuela,” the embassy said. “U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to leave Venezuela as soon as they feel it is safe to do so.”
The State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.
