Story perspectives

U.S. Urges Citizens to Flee Venezuela Amid Violence

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately due to armed paramilitaries targeting Americans.
The warning followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former president.
The U.S. State Department said militias known as colectivos are setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for U.S. citizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in visiting Venezuela after a recent military raid.
The Venezuelan government dismissed the warning as fabricated.

History

Historical Context

The Venezuelan crisis, rooted in Hugo Chávez's presidency, intensified under Nicolás Maduro, marked by hyperinflation exceeding 1,000,000% and severe food shortages affecting over 30 million people by 2019. U.S. sanctions aimed at Maduro's regime followed widespread human rights abuses and economic mismanagement, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has driven millions to emigrate, making it one of the worst crises in recent history.

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Story summary

The U.S. has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately due to armed paramilitaries targeting Americans.
The warning followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former president.
The U.S. State Department said militias known as colectivos are setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for U.S. citizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in visiting Venezuela after a recent military raid.
The Venezuelan government dismissed the warning as fabricated.

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