Venezuela: Violent looting continues in multiple provinces Jan. 17 /update 2

Event

At least 400 protests and 100 incidents of looting have occurred in 2018 as of Wednesday, January 17. Local media report widespread looting for food has taken place in Mérida, Guárico, and Zulia states, among others. On Thursday, January 11, a large group of looters broke into a farm and killed 40 cows for meat. On Saturday, January 13, residents of Maracaibo reportedly looted a supermarket after being denied access to food supplies. According to local sources, the current wave of looting has not yet struck Caracas; if such unrest does reach the capital, associated protests or outbreaks of violence are possible.

Context

Besides the shortages, rampant hyperinflation, and a major recession, Venezuela is also facing ongoing political, social, security, and health crises. 

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to avoid all large public gatherings due to the risk of violence.