The United States government has issued an urgent warning for US citizens to leave Venezuela now, as security risks rise after reports of armed militias targeting Americans. The alert comes amid rising instability following a recent US military operation in the South American nation. On Saturday, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said the security situation in Venezuela remains “fluid” and dangerous for foreign nationals. The statement urged all US citizens in the country to depart immediately, now that some international flights have returned. The alert highlighted reports that armed groups known as colectivos are establishing roadblocks on highways. Officials said these groups were stopping vehicles to search for evidence of US citizenship or support for the United States, increasing the danger for Americans attempting to travel by road. The department also said that US consular services in Venezuela are unavailable, meaning the government cannot provide routine or emergency assistance to citizens who remain in the country. Citizens were told to monitor airline communications and stay alert to changing conditions. Venezuela is currently listed at Travel Advisory Level 4, the highest warning level issued by the US government. This “Do Not Travel” status reflects grave concerns, including wrongful detention, possible torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, widespread crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. The sudden warning follows a dramatic escalation in Venezuela’s political crisis. Earlier this month, the United States carried out a major military action in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. That operation has heightened tensions and contributed to uncertainty across the nation. Many Venezuelans opposed to Maduro’s rule have welcomed his removal. But supporters of the former president view the operation as foreign aggression and have taken to the streets in protest. Armed groups and government loyalists are now more active in parts of Caracas and other cities. Venezuelan authorities have dismissed the US warning. A statement from Caracas officials described the security alert as based on “non-existent accounts” meant to create a false perception of danger. They claimed that the country is calm and that government forces maintain control. Despite those claims, observers and activists in the capital have reported seeing rifle-carrying members of colectivos patrolling streets on motorcycles and setting up checkpoints around the city. Military and police checkpoints also monitor major roads, especially those leading out of Caracas. The alert noted that intermittent power outages and basic service disruptions persist in parts of the country, adding to the hazards faced by residents and visitors alike. Such issues have long affected Venezuela, but are now compounded by the current political crisis. State Department officials recently visited Caracas as part of what US sources believe could be preparations for reopening the US embassy in the city. The embassy has been closed since 2019, when diplomatic personnel were withdrawn due to earlier tensions. In response to the crisis, Venezuela’s interim leadership has voiced a desire to improve relations with Washington. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has called for dialogue, even as her government rejects external influence and insists on national sovereignty. Adding to the complex picture, Maduro’s supporters continue to rally. A video released by ruling party officials quoted Maduro as saying he is “doing well” while awaiting trial in the United States, where he faces charges. His family stressed resilience despite their legal troubles. Many analysts warn that conditions in Venezuela could remain unstable for the coming weeks. With heightened militia activity, political division, and a fragile security situation, the US government’s call for citizens to leave the country now underscores the serious risks faced by foreigners trapped amid the crisis.