The US Embassy has issued a warning to its citizens on its official website. The statement urged Americans planning a trip to Colombia to reconsider “due to crime and terrorism.” The authorities of the North American country list the security problems of the South American country in their publication. They even asked not to visit some regions. In addition, they have raised the tricolor country's alert level to level 3 in most of the country and to level 4 in certain areas.
Colombia at alert level 3
The North American state alerted all its citizens who were traveling or planning to travel to Colombia. In the document they emphasize terrorism and crime, but also emphasize that riots and kidnappings are aspects that must be taken into account on Colombian territory.
“Violent crimes such as homicide, assault and armed robbery are widespread. Organized criminal activities such as extortion, robbery and kidnapping are widespread in some areas,” explains the embassy in connection with security problems in the country.
But it is not just individual crimes that are taken into account by the US authorities. “Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue to operate and carry out attacks in Colombia. They can attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets or shopping centers, local government facilities, police stations, military installations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc. Airports, other public areas and U.S. government facilities,” they report on their official website.
Level 4 zones
Although the United States Embassy is urging extreme caution across the country, there are areas where it specifically advises against travel. These areas are at alert level 4 and are the departments of Arauca, Cauca and Norte de Santander. The spread of “violent crimes, including armed robberies and murders” and the presence of “active terrorist groups” are the reason for this warning, but also the limited presence of the government, which “has limited capacity to provide emergency services”. for American citizens, as travel by U.S. government personnel to these areas is severely restricted for security reasons.”
Another level 4 area is the areas bordering Venezuela. “US citizens are advised not to travel to the Colombia-Venezuela border. U.S. citizens risk being arrested when entering Venezuela,” they said. To this information they added the ambiguity in the demarcation of the borders between the two countries.
The recommendations of the American embassy
However, the US Embassy also listed a number of recommendations for its citizens already in Colombian territory:
- Stay inconspicuous
- Avoid protest and crowds
- Pay attention to the environment
- Check local media for current events and adjust your plans based on new information
- Create a contingency plan for emergency situations