The United States Department of State urged American citizens to depart Venezuela immediately following reports that armed paramilitary groups are actively seeking out U.S. citizens. The security alert, issued Saturday, cited credible reports of pro-government militias, known as colectivos, establishing unauthorized roadblocks and conducting searches of vehicles, specifically targeting individuals suspected of being U.S. citizens or supporters.

The State Department advised U.S. citizens remaining in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution while traveling, particularly on roadways. The alert emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that some international flights have resumed operations from Venezuela, providing an avenue for immediate departure.

The warning comes a week after the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an event that has further destabilized the already volatile political climate in the South American nation. The colectivos, often described as armed civilian groups loyal to Maduro, have historically been used to suppress dissent and maintain order in pro-government areas. Their alleged targeting of U.S. citizens marks a significant escalation in tensions.

The New York Times reported that the State Department has been closely monitoring the situation and gathering intelligence on the activities of these colectivos. The specific motivations behind the alleged targeting of U.S. citizens remain unclear, but analysts suggest it could be linked to perceived U.S. involvement in the country's political crisis.

Venezuela has been grappling with a severe economic and political crisis for years, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and widespread social unrest. The U.S. has long been critical of Maduro's government, imposing sanctions and recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's legitimate president in 2019. This stance has further strained relations between the two nations.

The current security alert adds to a series of travel advisories issued by the U.S. government regarding Venezuela. The State Department has consistently warned against travel to the country due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary detentions. The latest alert underscores the heightened risk faced by U.S. citizens in the current environment.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas remains operational, but its ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens is limited due to the security situation. The State Department is urging U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Venezuela to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and facilitate communication in case of emergency. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the political landscape continues to shift.