Venezuela: US Embassy restricts movement in Caracas Sep. 25

Event

The United States Embassy in Caracas issued a security message on Monday, September 25, announcing increased movement restrictions for staff within the city. Effective immediately, Calle A between Calle B and Centro Comercial Santa Fe in the neighborhood of La Alameda is off-limits for embassy staff from dusk to dawn. The announcement came in response to the kidnapping and later release of a US Embassy employee in the area on Monday, September 19.

Context

Venezuela has been shaken by months of violent anti-government protests in 2017, coinciding with ongoing political, economic, social, and health crises. While the rate and intensity of protests has fallen in recent months, the underlying problems remain and the potential for further large-scale protests and associated violence cannot be overstated. Over 120 people have been killed amid protests and associated violence since April, with the majority of fatalities attributed to excessive force on the part of security authorities.

Advice

Individuals in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities are advised to closely monitor the security situation due to the risk of violence and kidnapping. Maintain a stockpile of enough food, water, and other supplies enabling you to shelter in place for several days in the event of a sudden deterioration in the local security situation.