THE UNITED STATES reissued its highest level opinion for Venezuela“Do not travel”, since the government “does not have the capacity to provide emergency services to American citizens” in distress.
This warning was issued in response to civil unrest, a “slide towards dictatorship”, terrorism Anti-American threats and sentiments. “Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, kidnappings and carjackings, are common in Venezuela,” officials added.
The situation has become so precarious that United States Government recommended travelers who persist in setting up a “proof of life” protocol with their loved ones.
“If you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to ensure you are alive (and rule out a hoax),” officials explained.
“The Department has determined that there is a high risk of unjustified detention of U.S. persons in Venezuela. Security forces have detained American citizens for five years,” the agency noted, warning that the American The government is rarely alerted or allowed access to incarcerated nationals.
Decline in tourism due to the political state of the country
Venezuela attracts many American tourists because of its miles of Caribbean coastline and beautiful neighboring islands. However, these numbers began to erode, eventually dropping drastically when Nicolás Maduro took office following the death of iron fist Hugo Chávez in 2013.
The State Department said Maduro is bringing Venezuela closer to tyranny and “illegally claimed the presidency of Venezuela, despite global condemnation of rigged elections,” during the last elections. Similar to Chávez, Maduro is strengthening “his alliances with external countries, including Cuba, Russia, Iran and Iran.” Chinawhich further repress the Venezuelan people. »
The current warning, first issued in 2019 when the United States began withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, was repeated on May 13. It comes on the eve of the July elections which will determine the fate of Venezuela. South American nation.
“Political rallies and demonstrations take place, often without notice. The anti-Maduro protests drew a strong response from police and security forces,” the department noted, “including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants.
