Washington is sounding the alarm for its citizens in Venezuela. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a stark warning on Saturday, advising all Americans to depart the country without delay now that international flights have resumed.
The advisory, posted on X, highlights the precarious security landscape. Armed groups known locally as ‘colectivos’ are rampant, blocking roads and conducting vehicle searches. These militants are specifically hunting for signs of US citizenship or pro-American affiliations, putting travelers in grave danger.
Road travel demands extreme caution, with officials urging Americans to stay vigilant and monitor airline updates closely. Venezuela sits at Level 4 on the travel advisory scale—the highest tier—meaning ‘Do Not Travel.’ This rating stems from rampant arbitrary arrests, torture in detention, terrorism threats, kidnappings, arbitrary law enforcement, street crime, civil unrest, and crumbling healthcare infrastructure.
The urgency follows a dramatic US military operation on January 3, where forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a bold raid. The action drew global condemnation and heightened fears of escalation.
Yet, signs of thaw emerged Friday as President Donald Trump revealed plans for imminent meetings with Venezuelan representatives. Speaking to reporters, Trump noted improved relations and ongoing direct dialogues aimed at stabilizing the crisis.
“I’m meeting with many Venezuelan representatives very soon,” Trump stated. “Relations between the US and Venezuela’s current government are much better than before. We’re talking directly to prevent further deterioration, and the conversations with the Venezuelan people are going well.”
Trump hinted that recent military pressure averted a larger conflict, positioning the US for constructive engagement. As tensions simmer, Americans face a clear directive: get out now while commercial flights operate.
