The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Caracas have issued an urgent advisory, urging all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in Venezuela to depart "immediately" as the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate.

In the alert, posted on January 10, authorities stated that despite the resumption of some international flights, conditions remain highly unstable and pose potential risks to Americans. 

The notice specifically mentioned reports of pro-government armed militias, known locally as 'colectivos', setting up checkpoints on Venezuelan highways and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or U.S. support.

Established during the tenure of Hugo Chávez, Maduro's predecessor, the colectivos are tasked with maintaining social order on the streets but have been accused of assaulting and intimidating opposition rivals.

According to a report by Firstpost on Saturday, the 10th, members of the colectivos, who are armed loyalists to the left-wing leadership, believe there was "much betrayal" regarding Maduro's arrest and are now rallying around Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

By NNP Chief Editor Sung Ku Hong / Special to NNP info@newsandpost.com