Urgent Alert: Americans Told to Flee Venezuela NOW

(LibertystarTribune.com) – A new security alert has been issued by the U.S. government, urging Americans to leave Venezuela immediately due to escalating threats from armed militias.

Story Overview

The U.S. Embassy has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Venezuela.
Armed militias, known as colectivos, are targeting U.S. citizens and supporters.
The U.S. government has no diplomatic personnel in Venezuela to offer emergency assistance.
The situation follows the U.S. operation that removed President Maduro from power.

U.S. Embassy Issues Urgent Warning

On January 10, 2026, the U.S. Embassy, now operating through Bogotá, Colombia, issued a dire warning to all U.S. citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately. The advisory is a direct response to reports of armed pro-government militias, or colectivos, setting up roadblocks and checking vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. This situation marks an extremely high-risk security environment for Americans remaining in the country.

The security alert underscores the vulnerability of Americans in Venezuela, especially since the U.S. withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Caracas back in March 2019. With no embassy staff to provide consular assistance, the U.S. government has made it clear that it cannot offer any emergency services to its citizens. This lack of support heightens the urgency for American nationals to evacuate the country while commercial flights are still available.

Heightened Risks Amid Political Turmoil

The current situation in Venezuela is exacerbated by recent political upheaval. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured and removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, creating a significant power vacuum. In the wake of this operation, pro-Maduro militias have mobilized to demonstrate their displeasure, leading to increased hostility toward individuals perceived as supportive of U.S. interventions. These developments have contributed to the State Department’s decision to reinforce the Level 4 advisory, urging American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately.

Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in as interim leader following Maduro’s removal, has labeled the U.S. actions as “aggression and kidnapping.” The Venezuelan government has announced plans to initiate an “exploratory diplomatic process” with the U.S., aiming to re-establish diplomatic missions. However, the immediate security risks for American citizens remain a pressing concern.

Implications for U.S. Citizens

The U.S. government’s inability to provide emergency consular services in Venezuela significantly impacts the safety and security of American citizens in the region. With no operational embassy in Caracas, individuals are advised to leave the country using commercial flights as soon as it is safely possible. The presence of armed militias actively searching for U.S. citizens or Trump supporters further complicates the situation, making it a volatile and dangerous environment for Americans.

Given the escalating threats, the U.S. government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens by issuing clear directives and warnings. The advisory serves as a critical reminder of the importance of heeding travel warnings and ensuring personal safety in regions experiencing political and civil unrest.