The United States government warned on Saturday, January 10, that armed militias in Venezuela are searching for Americans or evidence of “support” for the United States and reiterated its call for its citizens not to travel to or to leave the Caribbean country “immediately” as international flights resume.
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs updated its travel advisory for Venezuela, which continues to have the highest level of risk for Americans, to publicize reports about the militias and urge “caution” for citizens in the South American country.
“Before departing, US citizens should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. There are reports of armed militia groups, known as colectivos, blocking roads and searching vehicles for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States,” the advisory states. US authorities are urging Venezuelans still in the country to take precautions “when traveling by road” and to check for updated information on airlines resuming operations in the country, and remind them that power outages and intermittent service continue.
