Washington to its citizens: Leave Venezuela immediately... Checkpoints targeting Americans
In a new escalation of security concerns in Latin America, the US State Department issued an urgent and strongly worded warning to its citizens, calling on them to completely refrain from traveling to Venezuela, and demanding that American citizens currently on Venezuelan soil leave the country "immediately," describing the security situation there as unstable and posing an imminent threat to their lives.
Details of security threats and checkpoints
The US State Department based its warning on accurate intelligence and field reports indicating a rapidly deteriorating security situation. The department explained that there are credible reports of intensified activity by irregular armed groups known locally as "Colectivos." According to the statement, these groups are setting up random checkpoints on main and secondary roads, stopping and thoroughly searching vehicles for any evidence of US citizenship or any documents indicating a connection to the United States.
Who are the "Collectivos" groups?
To understand the nature of the threat, it's important to note that colectivos are armed groups loyal to the Venezuelan government and play a controversial role in the Venezuelan landscape. Historically, these groups emerged with government support to consolidate control in impoverished neighborhoods, but their influence has expanded to include paramilitary functions. They are accused by international human rights organizations and the Venezuelan opposition of using violence and intimidation against political opponents and foreigners, making falling into their hands extremely dangerous, especially given the absence of the rule of law and weak official security control.
Context of political and diplomatic tension
This security warning cannot be separated from the broader context of strained relations between Washington and Caracas. Relations between the two countries have been marked by a diplomatic rupture and escalating tensions for years, punctuated by the imposition of harsh US economic sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector and prominent government figures. This political polarization has made American citizens potential targets for arbitrary arrest or harassment as a means of political pressure, which explains the severity of the US warning urging immediate departure.
The repercussions and impact of the crisis
This measure reflects the depth of the crisis in Venezuela, which has escalated beyond economic collapse to encompass widespread insecurity. The warning carries serious implications regarding the inability of official institutions to protect foreigners, further isolating Venezuela internationally. Moreover, the specific targeting of US citizens at roadblocks shifts the crisis from the realm of politics to a direct threat to civilian safety, potentially prompting further international action to ensure the security of foreign nationals in these volatile circumstances.
