Five individuals from Venezuela’s political opposition who had been seeking refuge in the Argentinian diplomatic compound in Caracas for over a year to avoid arrest have arrived in the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this, referring to their departure as a rescue operation, without disclosing the specifics of how they reached the US. The Venezuelan government did not immediately comment on the situation.
According to Rubio, the US welcomes the successful evacuation of the “hostages” held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian embassy in Caracas. The Argentinian government granted these individuals asylum in March 2024 after Venezuelan authorities issued arrest warrants accusing them of promoting violence to destabilize the country. The group included key figures from opposition leader María Corina Machado’s campaign.
Machado expressed gratitude for the “impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five heroes of Venezuela” on social media. The group had previously complained about harassment, including the alleged disruption of electricity and water services by the Venezuelan government.
The situation escalated following disputes over the 2023 presidential election results in Venezuela. Maduro’s government has faced criticism for its crackdown on opposition. The election results and subsequent government reactions led to diplomatic tensions, including the severance of relations between Venezuela and Argentina.
Brazil initially took on the responsibility of guarding the diplomatic compound in Caracas at Argentina’s request but was later barred from doing so by the Venezuelan government, which accused Argentina and Brazil of supporting “terrorist activities” at the compound. Both countries have denied these accusations.
President Milei of Argentina stated that the operation represents a significant step in defending freedom in the region.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/venezuela-maduro-argentinian-embassy
