The United States urged its citizens to depart Venezuela immediately following reports that armed paramilitaries were attempting to locate U.S. citizens. The State Department issued a security alert on Saturday, citing reports of armed members of pro-government militias, 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 when traveling by road. It specifically urged them to leave the country immediately, noting the resumption of some international flights from Venezuela.
The warning comes a week after the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The State Department's alert did not specify who was believed to be holding Maduro or the motivations behind the alleged targeting of U.S. citizens.
The term "colectivos" refers to armed, pro-government civilian groups that have been active in Venezuela for years. They are often accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent and maintain political control. Their alleged involvement in setting up roadblocks and searching for U.S. citizens raises concerns about the safety and security of Americans in the country.
The U.S. government has long maintained a strained relationship with the Maduro regime, imposing sanctions and diplomatic pressure in response to concerns about human rights abuses, corruption, and democratic backsliding. The current situation further complicates the already tense relationship between the two countries.
It remains unclear who is currently in control of Venezuela following the reported capture of Maduro. The situation is fluid and potentially dangerous, prompting the U.S. government to take precautionary measures to protect its citizens. The State Department continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. The U.S. embassy in Caracas is operating with limited capacity, further complicating efforts to assist Americans seeking to leave the country.
AI-Assisted Journalism
This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Heineken CEO Dolf van den Brink is unexpectedly resigning on May 31st after six years, amidst slumping beer sales that have caused the company to underperform against its competitors. The leadership change introduces uncertainty as Heineken searches for a successor while navigating a challenging market environment. Van den Brink will remain as an advisor until 2027.
BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) experienced a surge in shares following a report of doubled Q4 bookings, driven by strong demand in data center applications and photonics. The Dutch chip toolmaker's preliminary orders reached approximately €250 million, exceeding analyst expectations and signaling positive growth in the semiconductor equipment sector.
Weaker-than-expected job growth in the latest employment report has validated bond traders' bets on Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts in 2026. This development is expected to further widen the yield gap between short- and long-maturity Treasuries, as short-maturity bonds are more sensitive to central bank policy. The market's confidence in these bets suggests continued outperformance for short-maturity Treasuries relative to their longer-term counterparts.
The dollar and stock futures declined after the Federal Reserve disclosed receiving grand jury subpoenas related to headquarters renovations, sparking concerns about political interference. The S&P 500 futures slipped 0.8% and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 1% as longer-dated yields rose and gold prices surged, reflecting market uncertainty and a shift away from US assets. The subpoenas follow disagreements between policymakers and the White House regarding interest rate policy.
Despite facing trade frictions and geopolitical challenges in 2025, China's economy demonstrated resilience with a record trade surplus and steady GDP growth, defying deglobalization concerns. Looking ahead to 2026, global executives must consider how tariff uncertainties and the rise of confident local competitors will shape their China strategies, while also recognizing the opportunities that remain in the world's second-largest economy.
Despite trade tensions and geopolitical challenges in 2025, China's economy demonstrated resilience with a record trade surplus and steady GDP growth, defying deglobalization concerns. Looking ahead to 2026, global executives must address key questions regarding tariff uncertainties and evolving competitive landscapes to navigate China's dynamic economic trajectory and leverage opportunities in the world's second-largest economy.
Oil prices are increasing amid widespread protests in Iran, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the country's oil production. Reports suggest the Iranian government's violent response to protests and possible disloyalty within security forces are creating instability, while the U.S. considers potential military responses. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation's impact on global oil markets and regional security.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has accused the Justice Department of launching a politically motivated criminal probe into his Senate testimony, alleging it stems from the Fed's refusal to lower interest rates as requested by the Trump administration. Powell maintains the Fed's monetary policy decisions are based on economic assessments and not political pressure, emphasizing his commitment to the Fed's independence and dual mandate under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He vowed to continue serving with integrity despite the perceived threats.
Oil prices are increasing amid ongoing protests in Iran, fueled by economic grievances and a government crackdown. Reports suggest the Iranian government's security forces may be facing internal dissent, while the U.S. considers potential military responses, adding to market uncertainty. The situation is impacting global oil markets due to Iran's significant oil production.
A Justice Department criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is drawing criticism from Congress, potentially jeopardizing President Trump's ability to appoint a new Fed leader. The investigation, related to Powell's testimony on Fed headquarters renovations, is viewed by some, including Senator Tillis, as an attack on the Fed's independence, with Tillis vowing to block any Fed nominee until the matter is resolved. The probe comes as Powell's term nears expiration and amid Trump's repeated calls for lower interest rates.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has accused the Justice Department, under the Trump administration, of launching a politically motivated criminal probe into his Senate testimony after the Fed declined to lower interest rates as requested by the President. Powell maintains the investigation is an attack on the Fed's independence, asserting that monetary policy decisions should be based on economic conditions, not political pressure, and that he will continue to fulfill his duties with integrity. The Justice Department has not yet issued a public response.
A Justice Department criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is drawing criticism from Congress, potentially jeopardizing President Trump's ability to appoint a new Fed leader. The investigation, related to Powell's testimony on Fed headquarters renovations, is viewed by some, including Senator Tillis, as an attack on the Fed's independence, with Tillis vowing to block any Fed nominee until the matter is resolved.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment