The security landscape in Venezuela has shifted overnight. Following what President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale strike,” the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Bogota (which manages Venezuelan affairs) have issued urgent directives for all American citizens currently in the country.
Immediate Directives for U.S. Citizens
The U.S. government has underscored its inability to provide emergency services within Venezuela, as diplomatic operations in Caracas have been suspended since 2019.
- Shelter in Place: Citizens currently in Caracas or surrounding states (Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua) are urged to stay indoors and away from windows due to reports of ongoing military activity and explosions.
- Depart Immediately: Those who can safely reach a departure point are encouraged to leave the country now. However, with the FAA banning all U.S. commercial and private flights in Venezuelan airspace, departure options are extremely limited.
- Proof of Life Protocol: For those remaining, the State Department suggests developing a “proof of life” protocol with family members—a set of specific questions and answers to verify identity in the event of a kidnapping or wrongful detention.
Why the “Level 4” Designation?
A Level 4 advisory is reserved for countries with “life-threatening risks.” The specific threats cited for Venezuela include:
| Risk Category | Description of Threat |
| Wrongful Detention | U.S. nationals face a very high risk of being detained indefinitely without due process or consular access. |
| Torture | Human rights organizations report that detainees have been subjected to severe beatings, waterboarding, and prolonged stress positions. |
| Terrorism & Crime | Violent crime is prevalent; armed groups and gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, are active across the country. |
| Civil Unrest | Following Maduro’s capture, the Venezuelan government has called for “people to the streets,” leading to volatile protests. |
The “New Dawn” Operation
Early Saturday morning, multiple explosions rocked Caracas as low-flying aircraft swept through the capital. President Trump later confirmed that U.S. Army Delta Force units captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at their residence within the Ft. Tiuna military installation.
- The Charges: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the couple is being transported to New York to face “narco-terrorism” conspiracy charges and the “full wrath of American justice.”
- Venezuelan Response: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded “proof of life” for Maduro and has implemented national defense plans, accusing the U.S. of a “criminal imperialist attack” on civilian areas.
U.S. Embassy Warning: “The U.S. government has no ability to reach U.S. nationals who are detained in Venezuela. Detainees are frequently prohibited from contacting family or legal counsel.”