US urges citizens to leave Venezuela amid reports colectivos are searching for Americans

The United States has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately after reports that armed paramilitaries are attempting to track down US citizens, one week after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In a security alert sent on Saturday, the State Department said there were reports that armed members of pro‑regime militias, known as colectivos, were setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence that occupants were US citizens or supporters.

The alert advised US citizens in Venezuela to remain vigilant, exercise caution when traveling by road and to depart immediately now that some international flights have restarted. The State Department warning underscored how volatile the situation remains after last weekend’s special forces raid, during which scores of people were killed.

Reporters and activists in Caracas have seen rifle‑carrying colectivos roaming the capital on motorbikes and setting up checkpoints, and roads connecting Caracas to its western border are policed with dozens of military and police checkpoints. Many opponents of Maduro have celebrated his capture, while government supporters have denounced the rendition as an imperialist act of aggression.

State Department officials visited Caracas on Friday as part of what are believed to be preparations for the re‑opening of the US embassy. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez has called for improved relations with Washington despite her ally’s abduction.

Key Topics

World, Venezuela, Colectivos, Nicolas Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez, State Department