In a dramatic turn of events, five members of Venezuela’s political opposition who had taken refuge in the Argentinian ambassador’s residence in Caracas have safely arrived in the United States, following what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as a “rescue operation.”
The five individuals had been sheltering at the diplomatic residence since March 2024 to avoid arrest by President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which accused them of inciting violence and attempting to destabilize the country. Among the group were the campaign manager and communications director for opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Rubio confirmed their arrival on U.S. soil in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “The US welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian embassy in Caracas. Following a precise operation, all hostages are now safely on US soil,” he wrote, without disclosing details of how the group was transported out of Venezuela.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei had initially granted the five asylum within the ambassador’s residence in a controversial diplomatic standoff that has since escalated tensions between Caracas and Buenos Aires. In response to the operation, Milei called it “an important step in defending freedom in the region.”
Machado praised the effort as an “impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five heroes of Venezuela,” also taking to social media to express gratitude for the support behind the mission.
While the Maduro government has not issued an official statement, the episode marks another flashpoint in Venezuela’s deepening political crisis. The compound had reportedly been under constant surveillance by state intelligence and police forces, with power and water cut off, claims the government previously denied.
A sixth man, former cabinet minister Fernando Martinez, had also sought shelter with the group but left the compound in December. Authorities claimed he voluntarily appeared before prosecutors. He died two months later under unclear circumstances.
The escape comes in the wake of a highly contested presidential election in Venezuela, during which the Maduro-aligned national electoral council declared Maduro the victor despite widespread allegations of fraud. The announcement sparked nationwide protests, resulting in more than 20 deaths and triggering diplomatic ruptures with several nations, including Argentina.
In August, Argentina requested Brazil to safeguard its diplomatic premises in Caracas following the expulsion of Argentinian diplomats. However, Venezuela revoked Brazil’s authorization in September, accusing the compound of harboring terrorists and conspirators, an allegation denied by both Argentina and Brazil.
The rescue operation is expected to strain already fragile regional relations while drawing renewed attention to the Maduro regime’s crackdown on dissent and the dangerous conditions faced by opposition members.
As of Tuesday, the five rescued individuals have not spoken publicly, and details about their route to the United States remain under wraps.
