The United States government has just issued a do not travel advisory to its citizens instructing them to leave Venezuela immediately. As US authorities ratchet up the conflict against Nicolás Maduro by arresting him, tensions are further escalating. Media reports indicate that armed pro-regime militias—known as colectivos—are currently deploying and establishing roadblocks. They are stopping trucks, squeezing taxi cabs, rummaging through personal properties for signs that the drivers or passengers are US citizens or sympathizers with the United States.
In the past few days, Caracas has been the scene of a very different kind of military display. Heavy hand military police and police checkpoints pepper the highways leading into Mexico’s western border. February 8, 2016 The crisis has worsened since last weekend’s special forces raid in Yemen killed several Yemenis, raising mortality levels and security fears on both sides. On Friday, three high-ranking State Department officials made the trip to Caracas. The purpose of their trip is to welcome back the reopening of the US embassy and is a testament to how quickly regional dynamics are changing.
Account upon account from journalists and activists in Venezuela’s capital suggest that rifle-bearing members of the colectivos are terrorizing citizens on motorbikes. They are intimidating people by establishing checkpoints and instilling a climate of fear. In response to the increasingly dangerous situation, the US State Department has ordered all Americans to evacuate Venezuela. At the same time, international flights are beginning to come back online.
“US citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road.” – US State Department
His capture has evoked a decidedly mixed reaction among Venezuelans. Many opponents of his regime have celebrated the event, viewing it as a potential turning point in their struggle against his government. Supporters of his government have mobilized in the streets, calling his kidnapping an imperialist invasion of aggression.
Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s successor and acting president, has called for improved relations with Washington despite the current tensions surrounding her ally’s capture. In a joint statement as the situation was unfolding, US President Donald Trump said that he was hopeful about the change.
“I think at some point it’ll be safe.” – Donald Trump
The US embassy is preparing for its official reopening. Fighting armed militias and a volatile political climate are major obstacles. The State Department’s alert is issued at a time when there are concerns that armed Venezuelan paramilitaries continue attempting to target US citizens inside Venezuela.