US Urges Its Citizens to Flee Venezuela Amid Reports of Paramilitaries

The United States has issued a strong warning urging its citizens to immediately leave Venezuela, citing growing security risks and alarming reports of armed paramilitary groups operating across the country. The advisory, released by the US State Department, reflects escalating concern over the deteriorating safety situation as political instability, armed violence, and lawlessness intensify.

US officials warned that the presence of paramilitaries, combined with weak state control in several regions, has sharply increased the risk of kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, and violent confrontations involving foreigners.

Rising Threat of Paramilitary Groups

According to US assessments, armed groups with loose or indirect ties to political factions are increasingly active in Venezuela. These paramilitaries are reportedly involved in extortion, intimidation, and targeted violence, particularly in border regions and major urban centers.

Security analysts say the expansion of these groups reflects the erosion of centralized authority and the fragmentation of power within the country. In some areas, paramilitaries are believed to operate with tacit approval from local power brokers, making it difficult for civilians to distinguish between criminal gangs, political militias, and official forces.

The US advisory warns that Americans could be mistakenly targeted or deliberately detained for leverage amid rising tensions.

Political Instability Fuels Insecurity

Venezuela’s prolonged political crisis has created fertile ground for armed groups to flourish. Years of economic collapse, contested leadership, and international sanctions have weakened institutions and strained security forces.

Recent developments have further heightened uncertainty. Reports of internal power struggles, arrests of opposition figures, and growing unrest have contributed to fears of renewed violence. Against this backdrop, paramilitary activity has surged, according to independent monitors and international observers.

US officials stress that the volatile environment leaves little room for effective consular assistance should Americans encounter trouble.

Why the US Is Sounding the Alarm

The State Department’s warning goes beyond routine travel advisories. By urging citizens to flee rather than simply avoid travel, Washington is signaling an exceptional level of concern.

Officials cited several factors behind the decision:

Increased reports of armed groups operating openly

A rise in arbitrary detentions, including of foreign nationals

Limited access to reliable law enforcement and emergency services

Severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies

The US embassy in Caracas has already scaled back operations, further limiting its ability to assist citizens in emergencies.

Impact on Americans in Venezuela

The number of US citizens currently in Venezuela is believed to be relatively small, consisting mainly of dual nationals, aid workers, journalists, and businesspeople. For many, leaving the country is not simple.

Commercial flights remain limited, border crossings are unpredictable, and travel within the country carries significant risks. The US government has advised citizens to make departure plans immediately using any available safe routes.

Families of Americans in Venezuela have expressed growing anxiety, urging authorities to provide clearer evacuation guidance.

Regional and International Concerns

The US warning has also drawn attention from neighboring countries and international partners. Regional governments are closely monitoring the situation, wary that rising instability in Venezuela could spill across borders through refugee flows and cross-border violence.

Human rights groups say the expansion of paramilitary influence poses serious risks to civilians, journalists, and activists, regardless of nationality. They argue that the situation underscores the need for international monitoring and humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials have dismissed foreign warnings as exaggerated and politically motivated, insisting that the country remains safe for visitors. Critics, however, point to a long record of denying or downplaying security problems.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

The warning comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension surrounding Venezuela. Relations between Washington and Caracas remain deeply strained, with mutual accusations and limited diplomatic engagement.

Some analysts argue that the advisory also serves a strategic purpose, signaling US concern about instability that could threaten regional security. Others caution that such warnings may further isolate Venezuela and discourage international engagement.

Still, US officials insist the move is driven solely by the need to protect American lives.

What Citizens Are Advised to Do

The State Department has urged Americans still in Venezuela to:

Depart the country immediately if it is safe to do so

Avoid travel within Venezuela

Prepare contingency plans and keep emergency contacts ready

Stay alert and avoid public gatherings or political events

Those unable to leave are advised to maintain a low profile and monitor official updates closely.

Conclusion

The US decision to urge its citizens to flee Venezuela underscores the severity of the country’s security crisis. Reports of paramilitary activity, combined with political instability and weak institutions, have created a dangerous environment with limited options for protection or assistance.

As the situation continues to evolve, the warning highlights a sobering reality: for many foreigners—and Venezuelans alike—safety can no longer be taken for granted. Whether conditions stabilize or deteriorate further will depend on political developments in the weeks ahead, but for now, Washington’s message is clear—leave while you still can.