US Advises Citizens in Venezuela to Gather Food, Water Ahead of Opposition Rally

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) — "We advise taking appropriate preparatory measures, including gathering enough food and water for 72 hours. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests," the statement released by the embassy said.

The opposition plans to hold protests ahead of the Constitutional Assembly elections set for July 30 and aimed to rewrite the country’s constitution in order to find a way out of the political crisis which started in January 2016 with the election of a new legislature.

"U.S. citizens in all parts of Venezuela are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security," the embassy said, adding that even demonstrations initially intended to be peaceful could turn into violence, and warning that clashes involving Venezuelan security forces "are possible."

In March, the Venezuelan Supreme Court decided to restrict the power of the state’s National Assembly. The decision was immediately reversed amid a backlash, but supporters of the opposition-controlled parliament took to the streets in early April, calling for dismissal of the Supreme Court members. The protests have since claimed almost 100 lives.