Caracas: The US Embassy in Caracas issued a stark warning on Saturday regarding the fluid security situation in Venezuela, advising US citizens to avoid travel to the country and urging those already present to exercise heightened caution.
According to Anadolu Agency, the embassy's statement highlighted that Venezuela is classified under the highest US Travel Advisory level due to significant risks to Americans. These risks include wrongful detention, crime, civil unrest, and limited access to health care. The embassy further noted the absence of commercial flights in and out of Venezuela, which complicates travel and evacuation options for foreign nationals.
The US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the US Embassy in Caracas back in March 2019, suspending operations. As a result, all consular services, both routine and emergency, remain unavailable. "The US government continues to be unable to provide emergency services to US citizens in Venezuela," the embassy noted.
The advisory detailed additional risks such as terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and inadequate health infrastructure, underscoring the need for the highest alert level. US citizens in Venezuela are advised to take necessary precautions for their safety, maintain multiple communication channels with family and friends outside the country, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive timely security updates.
US citizens seeking assistance are directed to contact the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which handles Venezuela-related consular matters. Earlier on Saturday, Venezuela's government accused the US of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across multiple states. Subsequently, US President Donald Trump confirmed a "large-scale" strike, stating that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country." This development followed months of increasing US pressure on Maduro, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking-a claim Maduro denies, expressing willingness for dialogue.