Marco Rubio Lauds U.S.-Backed Operation That Freed Venezuelan Opposition Members But Questions Still Remain

5 members of Venezuela’s political opposition who spent over a yr sheltered within the Argentine Embassy in Caracas have arrived safely in america following an operation that U.S. officers described as “exact.”

The extraction, first knowledgeable by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, was praised by regional allies lile opposition chief María Corina Machado and the Argentine authorities as a serious achievement for democratic efforts in Latin America.

Whereas officers celebrated the operation, it stays unclear whether or not Venezuela’s authoritarian authorities approved the group’s departure or was conscious of the plan, as The Washington Put up factors out. Maduro, who was in Russia for a diplomatic go to on the time, has not commented, and no official statements have been issued by Venezuelan authorities relating to any potential negotiation or secure passage settlement.

The people—Magalli Meda, Claudia Macero, Omar González, Pedro Urruchurtu, and Humberto Villalobos— took refuge within the embassy on March 20, 2024, after Maduro officers accused them of terrorism, conspiracy, and destabilization efforts tied to the July presidential election.

All members of the group have been a part of Machado’s political workforce. A sixth particular person, Fernando Martínez Mottola, had additionally taken shelter however left in December 2024 and died two months later.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed their arrival on American soil in a social media publish and referred to the group as hostages of the Maduro regime. He thanked U.S. personnel and companions for his or her function in securing the group’s launch:

Throughout their 14-month keep, the group reported sustained surveillance, harassment, and deprivations. They accused safety forces of surrounding the compound, reducing electrical energy and water, and interfering with provide deliveries. Human rights organizations criticized the Maduro authorities for violating the Vienna Conference on Diplomatic Relations.

In August 2024, Brazil assumed short-term custodianship of the embassy after Argentina’s diplomats have been expelled. Venezuela later revoked Brazil’s function, alleging the power was getting used to plan terrorist acts. This declare was denied by each Brazil and Argentina.

Initially printed on Latin Occasions