The United States urged its citizens to depart Venezuela immediately following reports that armed paramilitary groups are attempting to locate U.S. citizens. The State Department issued a security alert on Saturday, citing reports of pro-government militia members, known as colectivos, establishing roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support.

The alert advised U.S. citizens in Venezuela to remain vigilant and exercise caution while traveling by road. It specifically urged immediate departure, noting the resumption of some international flights from Venezuela. The New York Times reported on the State Department's concerns, highlighting the potential danger faced by Americans in the country.

The warning comes a week after the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The political instability and the presence of armed groups create a volatile environment for foreign nationals, particularly those perceived as aligned against the current regime. The colectivos, often described as armed civilian groups loyal to Maduro, have been accused of human rights abuses and acts of intimidation.

The U.S. government's travel advisory for Venezuela has long been at Level 4: Do Not Travel, due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and wrongful detention. This latest alert underscores the heightened risk to U.S. citizens in the current climate. The State Department continuously monitors the security situation in Venezuela and updates its travel advisories accordingly. U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Venezuela are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and facilitate communication in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela is currently operating with limited capacity, further complicating assistance to U.S. citizens in the country.