State Department renews 'do not travel' warning for Venezuela

The State Department on Thursday renewed its "do not travel" advisory for Venezuela amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Caracas and Washington and the prospect of military conflict.

“Do not travel to Venezuela for any reason,” the State Department warned. "Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately."

In recent months, the Trump administration has put pressure on Venezuela to accept deportations and to crack down on drug cartels operating in the country. The Pentagon has also targeted a series of suspected drug boats operating out of the country.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, for his part, accepted the return of deportation flights. Trump, however, has remained bellicose in his rhetoric, hinting at an escalation of armed conflict.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.