Why did US warn its citizens against kidnapping, detention in Venezuela weeks before presidential election? Will Nicolas Maduro lose?

Weeks before Venezuela's presidential election on July 28, 2024, the US State Department issued a travel advisory asking its citizens not to travel to this Latin American country. It has issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" travel advisory, its most serious warning. The department has warned Americans not to travel to this oil-rich country due to high levels of crime and civil unrest under the socialist rule of President Nicolas Maduro, reports the 'New York Post'.

US State Department warns

In a notice issued on its official website, the US State Department wrote, "Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws." It also warned the US citizens to reconsider travel due to wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure.

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The State Department warned them against violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking. It also said that the Venezuelan security forces detained U.S. citizens for up to five years and the country generally does not notify Washington about detentions.

Nicolas Maduro seeks re-election

Maduro, who has an extremely difficult relationship with the US, seeks re-election against Edmundo Gonzalez. The veteran ex-diplomat was named the main opposition candidate after the Supreme Court had upheld a ban on upholding office on primary winner Maria Corina Machado. Machado has since supported Gonzalez.

US sanctions on Venezuela

The relationship between the US and the socialist country hit rock bottom after Washington reimposed oil sanctions on the OPEC member last month. It accused Maduro of not fully complying with deals reached with the opposition to ensure free and fair elections. After a recent poll showed that any candidate backed by Machado may have more than double Maduro's support, opposition members warned the socialist government could bar Gonzalez from contesting the presidential polls.

FAQs

When will the presidential elections in the US be held?
The Latin American country of Venezuela will go to the presidential election on July 28, 2024. United opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has challenged incumbent Nicolas Maduro.

Why did the US impose oil sanctions on Venezuela?
The US reimposed oil sanctions on Venezuela accusing President Nicolas Maduro of not fully complying with deals reached with the opposition to ensure free and fair elections.