• State Department issues urgent evacuation order as armed groups target US citizens
• Colectivos establish roadblocks to search vehicles for evidence of American nationality
• US has no diplomatic presence to provide emergency assistance since 2019

CARACAS, VE (TDR) — The State Department ordered American citizens to evacuate Venezuela immediately on Saturday, citing reports of armed militias hunting for people with ties to the United States. The urgent security alert comes one week after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic military operation.

Federal officials warned that pro-government paramilitary groups known as colectivos have set up roadblocks across the capital and are searching vehicles for evidence of American citizenship or support for Washington. The Venezuela travel warning marks the most urgent directive since diplomatic relations collapsed in 2019.

Armed Groups Target Americans at Checkpoints

The US Embassy in Bogota, which handles Venezuelan affairs, reported Saturday that armed militia members are stopping cars and checking occupants for connections to America. Officials urged travelers to exercise extreme caution when moving by road and to avoid unnecessary travel within the country.

“There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States.”

The Venezuela travel warning emphasized that commercial flights have resumed operations, creating evacuation options that were previously unavailable. However, officials cautioned that ticket availability remains limited and demand is extremely high as Americans rush to depart.

No Consular Protection Available

The United States withdrew all diplomatic personnel from its Caracas embassy in March 2019 after declaring Maduro’s government illegitimate. Since then, the Department of State has maintained no physical presence in Venezuela, leaving Americans without access to emergency consular services.

Federal authorities have repeatedly stressed they cannot provide assistance to citizens who remain in the country. All routine and emergency consular operations have been suspended for nearly six years, with inquiries redirected to the US Embassy in Colombia.

“The US government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela.”

The lack of diplomatic infrastructure means Americans facing detention, medical emergencies, or other crises have no official government support available on the ground.

Level 4 Travel Advisory Remains in Effect

Venezuela carries the State Department’s highest threat classification — Level 4: Do Not Travel — due to severe risks including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, violent crime, civil unrest and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Federal officials warn that Venezuelan security forces have detained American citizens for up to five years without proper legal process. The government typically does not inform Washington of arrests involving US nationals and prohibits consular visits to detainees.

Additional hazards include widespread shortages of fuel, electricity, water, medicine and medical supplies throughout the nation. Colombian terrorist groups also operate in border regions with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana, creating additional security concerns.

Diplomatic Tensions Following Maduro’s Capture

The evacuation order follows last week’s military operation in which Delta Force operators seized Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their compound in Caracas. The couple now faces narcoterrorism charges in federal court in New York.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners, which he credited as a positive gesture that prevented additional military strikes. Despite the diplomatic overtures, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez mobilized the colectivos to crack down on perceived American sympathizers.

A State Department delegation arrived in Caracas on Friday to assess conditions for potentially reopening the embassy, but officials emphasized that security concerns remain paramount. Former diplomats told news outlets that establishing even a minimal presence could take months given the volatile situation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed congressional leaders Monday about preliminary discussions regarding embassy operations but stressed that no timeline has been established.

Citizens Urged to Enroll in Alert System

Federal authorities strongly encouraged Americans remaining in Venezuela to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates. Officials also recommended establishing multiple communication methods with family members outside the country and preparing contingency plans for emergency situations.

Those who choose not to evacuate should prepare wills, designate insurance beneficiaries, and establish power of attorney. The State Department even advised creating “proof of life” protocols with loved ones in case of kidnapping or detention.

Will the escalating security crisis force complete evacuation of all remaining Americans from Venezuela?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10