The BareStory
The U.S. government issued a security alert on January 10, 2026, urging American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas cited reports that armed militias, known as "colectivos," have established roadblocks to search vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States. While international flights have reportedly resumed, officials advised citizens not to expect consular assistance, noting that the U.S. Department of State withdrew diplomatic personnel and suspended operations in 2019.
The security warning follows a January 3 announcement by President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and removed from the country. Following the operation, President Trump stated that the U.S. would temporarily "run" the country and has met with oil executives regarding the situation. Authorities indicated Maduro is being treated like a "drug kingpin," and an individual identified as Bondi stated he would face the "wrath" of U.S. justice.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado described the capture as "flawless" and stated she is ready to lead Venezuela. However, the situation on the ground remains uncertain, with reports of pro-government armed civilians patrolling Caracas and blocking streets. The U.S. Department of State continues to maintain a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for the region, citing severe risks including wrongful detention, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Additionally, reports indicate the U.S. has seized Venezuelan-linked oil tankers and is looking to tap the nation’s oil reserves.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
Americans currently in Venezuela face immediate threats from armed groups targeting U.S. citizens and must leave without expectation of consular aid due to suspended diplomatic operations.
U.S. energy markets or policy may be influenced by the administration's seizure of Venezuelan-linked tankers and stated intent to tap into that nation's oil reserves.
The U.S. role in international governance will likely expand temporarily, as the President has stated the United States intends to run Venezuela following the leadership removal.
Travelers must avoid the region under a Level 4 advisory, citing severe risks like wrongful detention and kidnapping amidst reports of armed civilians blocking streets.
