Five anti-Maduro activists, after over a year in diplomatic refuge, now safely on u.s. soil following a coordinated operation.
Five members of Venezuela’s political opposition, who had taken refuge for over a year at the Argentinian ambassador’s residence in Caracas to avoid arrest, have arrived safely in the United States, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday.
Rubio described the event as a “rescue” but did not provide details on how the group left Venezuela or reached U.S. territory.
“The U.S. welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian embassy in Caracas,” Rubio said on X. “Following a precise operation, all hostages are now safely on U.S. soil.”
The Venezuelan government has not yet commented on the situation.
The five opposition members — including the campaign manager and communications director of prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado — had been granted refuge in March 2024 by the government of Argentinian President Javier Milei after Venezuelan authorities issued arrest warrants, accusing them of inciting violence to destabilize the country.
On social media, Machado praised what she called an “impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five heroes of Venezuela.”
Since late last year, the group reported that intelligence agents and police were stationed outside the residence, and accused the government of cutting electricity and water to the compound — allegations that Venezuelan officials denied.
A sixth individual, former cabinet minister Fernando Martinez, had also sought refuge with the group but left in December, later appearing before prosecutors. He died in February.
Maduro’s government has consistently targeted political opponents, especially in the run-up to last year’s presidential election, which the national electoral council — stacked with Maduro loyalists — declared him the winner of, despite widespread evidence of fraud.
The disputed election results triggered nationwide protests, which the government met with force, leaving more than 20 dead, and further isolated Venezuela diplomatically. Argentina, among other nations, severed diplomatic ties with Caracas.
In August, Argentina arranged for Brazil to guard its diplomatic compound in Caracas after Maduro expelled Argentinian diplomats. However, Venezuela revoked Brazil’s authorization just a month later, claiming the premises were being used to plan terrorist acts — accusations both Argentina and Brazil rejected.
On Tuesday, Milei stated that the operation “represents an important step in defending freedom in the region.”
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