A member of the US military has been arrested in Caracas, Venezuela, as reported by CNN. The State Department has cautioned American citizens against visiting Venezuela.
The US Department of State has issued a warning against traveling to Venezuela due to prevalent crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent enforcement of local laws.
It is also advised to reconsider travel to the country because of wrongful detentions, terrorism, and inadequate health infrastructure. Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking are widespread in Venezuela.
Political rallies and demonstrations often occur with little notice and can lead to a strong police and security force response involving tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.
Additionally, shortages of essential resources like gasoline, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies persist in many parts of Venezuela.
The travel advisory further highlights that security forces have detained US citizens for extended periods without notifying the US government or granting access to these individuals.
As a result of these concerns, the State Department strongly advises against traveling to Venezuela.
Over the weekend, the US government confiscated the plane of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The State Department has issued a warning to Americans, advising against traveling to Venezuela.
CNN reported:
A US service member has been detained in Venezuela, according to four US officials familiar with the matter.
The service member is a US citizen and was detained on August 30 in Caracas, according to the officials. One of the officials said he is being held by the Venezuelan intelligence agency SEBIN.
Another official said the service member was not on official travel or approved leave when he traveled to the country. It is not clear why he traveled there.
The State Department advises Americans against traveling to Venezuela, warning that “there is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals.”
This comes as Venezuelan gang members are taking over apartment complexes in the US and demanding rent payments at gunpoint.
DEVELOPING…
