The US issued an alert for its citizens who travel to Venezuela due to the high risk of being detained by the regime

President Joe Biden included Venezuela among the countries where the risk of Americans being arbitrarily detained by the regime to be used as currency is considered high.according to a new indicator introduced on Tuesday.

Biden signed an executive order to “bring home” Americans kidnapped or arbitrarily detained abroadwhich implies better support for their families and opens the way to impose financial sanctions on those who are involved.

In addition to Venezuela, governed by President Nicolás Maduro, Washington has begun applying a new indicator, called “D,” to five other countries: Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and Burma.

“When Americans are detained abroad, we must do everything in our power to secure their release.”Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The “D” indicator is attached to the “K”, which already covers the risk of kidnapping and hostage taking by non-state actors. In addition, the Department of State regularly issues travel advisories on destinations that are dangerous due to security, health or other considerations.

There are 11 Americans detained in Venezuelawhich accuses the United States of wanting to overthrow Maduro and attack basic facilities.

Venezuela detained Cuban-American Jorge Alberto Fernández in 2021, but released him in March 2022 after a meeting between US and Venezuelan officials in Caracas.

Luke Alexander Denman y Airan Berrytwo Americans accused of participating in a maritime invasion of Venezuela, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2020. And a former Marine, Matthew Heathwas prosecuted for “terrorism”.

Also There are five former directors of the Citgo oil company, accused of corruption. A sixth was released in March. And a few days ago the State Department confirmed that Venezuela detained three other Americans, without revealing their identities.

Former US President Donald Trump led a pressure campaign in 2019 in a failed attempt to remove Maduro from power, following allegations of fraud in the elections in which he was re-elected in 2018.

Biden also does not recognize Maduro and considers opposition leader Juan Guaidó interim president.

The signing of the presidential decree comes after the media coverage of the arrest in Russia of the basketball player Brittney Griner, accused of drug trafficking. Her wife accused Biden of not doing enough for her. The family of the ex-marine imprisoned in Venezuela complained about the same thing.

The executive order authorizes impose financial sanctions or travel bans on foreign officials or non-state actors involved in arbitrary detentions of Americans. Venezuela is already under sanctions, some of which Biden has promised to ease if the government negotiates with the opposition.

(With information from AFP)

Keep reading: