U.S. Urges Immediate Departure from Venezuela After Maduro's Arrest Amid Rising Militia Violence
The State Department urges Americans to depart Venezuela immediately after U.S. forces arrested Nicolás Maduro; pro-regime militias set checkpoints and target U.S. citizens and supporters.
Overview
U.S. State Department advises immediate departure from Venezuela, citing Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory because of severe crime, unrest, failing health infrastructure and targeted threats.
U.S. special forces arrested President Nicolás Maduro in a Caracas raid; Maduro is detained in the United States and faces pending federal narcoterrorism charges and trial.
Pro-regime militias and colectivos have set up roadblocks across major routes, stopping vehicles to identify Americans or U.S. supporters, increasing risks of detention, harassment, and violence.
Major routes from Caracas westward are heavily monitored with numerous military and police checkpoints, and reports indicate colectivos act with impunity despite Venezuelan officials' claims of control.
U.S. officials visited Caracas for preliminary talks on reopening the U.S. Embassy, but no timeline has been set; travelers should use commercial options and monitor airlines.
Analysis
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