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3mo ago

U.S. Rescues Five Venezuelan Opposition Aides from Embassy Standoff

A year-long siege at the Argentine embassy in Caracas ends with a U.S.-led operation, bringing the opposition figures to safety in the United States.

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Venezuelan security forces guard the residence of Argentina's ambassador, where Venezuelan opposition members have sought asylum since March, in Caracas, Venezuela July 31, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini/File Photo
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on during a swearing-in ceremony for Envoy Steve Witkoff in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura

Overview

  • Five close allies of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado were extracted from the Argentine embassy in Caracas after more than a year of seeking asylum to avoid arrest by Nicolás Maduro’s government.
  • The U.S. coordinated the rescue operation, described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as 'precise,' with all five individuals now safely on U.S. soil.
  • The Maduro regime has not publicly commented on the operation, while Brazil, which held interim custody of the embassy, stated it was not informed of the mission.
  • The group had faced persistent harassment, including surveillance and utility cuts, during their 14-month stay in the diplomatic compound.
  • The operation has been praised by Machado and Argentine President Javier Milei as a significant step in addressing political persecution in Venezuela.