The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has issued a stark warning about potential dangers in Venezuela, urging Americans to depart amid reports of armed groups seeking out U.S. citizens. This comes in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces, sparking uncertainty and conflicting narratives from both sides. As tensions simmer, the Venezuelan regime insists on calm while experts highlight ongoing instability. Latest update: According to recent reports from Fox News, the U.S. government reiterated its call for Americans to leave Venezuela immediately due to armed militias setting up roadblocks, as of January 11, 2026. Source.
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The American embassy in Bogotá, Colombia—the nearest operational one to Venezuela—issued a security alert over the weekend, highlighting reports of roaming socialist gangs called "colectivos" allegedly targeting U.S. citizens or those perceived as supportive of the United States. Through this channel, the State Department strongly advised any Americans still in Venezuela to "leave the country immediately," emphasizing that the U.S. lacks the resources to ensure their safety following the arrest of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
President Donald Trump announced the apprehension of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on January 3 via a U.S. military operation. This move supported American law enforcement efforts, which had offered a $50 million reward for information leading to their capture. The couple faces multiple charges, primarily related to narco-terrorism, and are slated for trial in New York.
In Maduro's absence, his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has stepped into the leadership role of the regime. Rodríguez has signaled interest in diplomatic talks with the U.S., and Trump has described her as "cooperative." However, analysts suggest she may not command full control over the socialist network. Other key Chavista figures, like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello—an alleged drug lord with a bounty on his head—have voiced more aggressive stances. Cabello has been seen in Caracas streets over the past week, warning civilians against speaking out about Maduro's removal, threatening repercussions from his repressive groups.
While the U.S. embassy didn't name Cabello directly, it spotlighted the threat from colectivos—motorcycle-riding paramilitary units that have enforced the regime's will on protesters for over a decade. These groups are reportedly on the hunt for Americans, possibly to harm, detain, or eliminate them. "There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States," the embassy stated on Saturday. "U.S. citizens in Venezuela should remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling by road."
The alert reinforced Venezuela's "do not travel" status for Americans, predating Maduro's ouster, and noted the absence of a functioning U.S. embassy there. Some indications suggest Rodríguez might consider allowing the Trump administration to reopen it, though nothing has materialized yet.
"All U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to leave Venezuela as soon as they feel it is safe to do so," the embassy urged. "U.S. citizens who choose not to depart should prepare contingency plans for emergency situations, as the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela."
On the other side, the Chavista foreign ministry responded Sunday, denying any threats to Americans and asserting the country is in "absolute calm." They pointed to firearm confiscations under the late Hugo Chávez, claiming the regime maintains a monopoly on force. "The security alert about our country emitted by the State Department of the United States is based on non-existent reports directed at creating a perception of risk that does not exist," read the statement from Foreign Minister Yván Gil on social media. "Venezuela is in a state of absolute calm, peace, and stability."
It continued: "All the population centers, communication pathways, control points, and security sectors are functioning normally, and the entirety of the arms of the Republic are under the control of the Bolivarian Government, the only guarantor of the legitimate monopoly of [the use of] force and tranquility of the Venezuelan people."
These claims of tranquility have been challenged by the regime's own actions, including announcements of arrests for those celebrating Maduro's arrest and Cabello's armed public appearances. Police in Mérida state shared photos of two men arrested for rejoicing in the change. The regime cites an emergency state activated by Maduro just before his capture, allowing arrests of U.S. supporters.
Speaking to Breitbart News, José Antonio Colina of Venezuelans Persecuted Politically in Exile (VEPPEX) described on-the-ground reports of colectivo raids, including door-to-door phone seizures to check for anti-regime sentiments. "In this case, the repressive apparatus of persecution is carried out by groups under the control of Diosdado Cabello," Colina noted.
Cabello has posted on social media about high morale and loyalty, sharing images of his armed units. His TV show account displayed photos of late-night operations with the National Bolivarian Armed Forces to prevent violence. In a broadcast, he reiterated the regime's weapons monopoly: "Possession of weapons has allowed us to maintain control, so that no group or individual can claim responsibility for acts of violence other than those committed in the early hours of January 3 by the government of the United States."
The Interior Ministry, under Cabello's orders, announced enhanced patrols near schools to "protect" them, rejecting attempts to sow anxiety via "algorithms and disinformation." This hints at potential censorship waves, with a commitment to uphold the Bolivarian Revolution's peace.
For more details on the original report, visit Breitbart News.