The United States successfully rescued five Venezuelan opposition members from the Argentine embassy in Caracas, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The individuals, closely associated with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, had sought political asylum at the embassy since March 2024 after being accused of conspiracy by Venezuela’s attorney general.
“All hostages are now safely on U.S. soil,” Rubio stated on X, without disclosing operational details. Machado described the extraction as an “impeccable and epic operation” and pledged to free all 900 political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela.
The Argentine government also praised the mission, expressing gratitude for the safe transfer of the Venezuelans. Venezuela’s information ministry has yet to comment, while Brazil, which had been overseeing the Argentine embassy following the severance of diplomatic ties between Buenos Aires and Caracas, said it had not been informed in advance.
Tensions between the Maduro regime and the opposition remain high following disputed 2024 presidential elections. The opposition claims victory, citing ballot-level vote counts, while official results handed Maduro another term without releasing detailed voting data.
The embassy incident follows the February death of Fernando Martinez, another opposition advisor who surrendered to Venezuelan authorities after also seeking protection at the embassy. The Maduro government frequently accuses opposition figures of colluding with foreign nations, including the U.S., to destabilize the country—allegations the opposition firmly denies.
The daring rescue marks a significant moment in Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis, highlighting continued international involvement and growing support for Machado’s movement.