The United States has issued an urgent security alert, advising all American citizens in Venezuela to depart the country immediately. This stark warning follows disturbing reports that armed paramilitary groups loyal to the regime are actively searching for US nationals.
Roadblocks and Targeted Searches
In an alert disseminated on Saturday, the US State Department cited specific intelligence indicating that members of pro-government militias, known locally as colectivos, are establishing roadblocks and inspecting vehicles. Their apparent goal is to identify individuals who are American citizens or supporters of the opposition.
"US citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road," the advisory stated, adding that the window to leave has opened slightly as some international flights have now resumed.
Volatile Aftermath of Caracas Raid
The heightened tensions come just one week after a dramatic and deadly night-time assault by US special forces in Caracas, which resulted in the capture of the country's president, Nicolás Maduro. While many of Maduro's opponents celebrated the operation, his supporters have staged protests, labelling the action an imperialist aggression.
Journalists and activists on the ground in the Venezuelan capital have observed rifle-toting colectivo members patrolling on motorcycles and manning checkpoints across the city. The major routes connecting Caracas to its western border are now heavily monitored with dozens of military and police stops.
Diplomatic Moves and Contradictory Signals
Despite the volatile security situation, US officials visited Caracas on Friday. This trip is widely believed to be part of preliminary work for the potential re-opening of the US embassy, which has been closed for years.
In a contradictory development, Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president following Maduro's capture, has called for improved relations with Washington. This overture stands in stark contrast to the circumstances of her predecessor's abduction.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told the New York Times last week that he would like to visit Venezuela in the future, claiming the US was now "running" the country. "I think at some point it’ll be safe," Trump remarked to reporters, even as his own State Department warned Americans to flee.
