The US State Department has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Venezuela and advised those currently there to leave immediately due to a perceived unstable security situation.
The statement warns of armed militia groups, referred to as “colectivos”, erecting roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of American citizenship or support for the United States.
In response, the Venezuelan government labelled the warning as unfounded, asserting in a statement that the nation enjoys “absolute calm, peace, and stability.”
This comes after a US-led military operation in Venezuela last week that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The attack caused at least 100 fatalities, including Venezuelan and Cuban military personnel.
Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were transported to New York, where they pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking. Both have been in custody since Monday.
The Trump administration has announced plans to oversee Venezuela and take control of its oil resources, excluding the possibility of holding elections. Instead, Washington plans to govern through Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro loyalist, although Rodriguez has rebuked the move, stating Venezuela is neither “subordinate” nor “submissive” to the US.
The capture of Maduro has triggered contrasting reactions in Venezuela, with some celebrating the removal of the anti-American leader and others protesting for his release. On Monday, thousands of Maduro supporters marched through Caracas to demand his freedom.
