Overview
- The State Department said multiple Americans detained in Venezuela were released, with the Associated Press reporting four freed on Tuesday and one on Monday, calling it an important step by interim authorities.
- At her first news conference since the Jan. 3 operation, acting president Delcy Rodríguez cast herself as a unifier and presided over further releases, including 17 journalists such as Roland Carreño.
- Release counts diverge sharply, with Rodríguez claiming 406 freed since December, rights group Foro Penal estimating roughly 180, and AFP’s running tally confirming about 70 since Jan. 8.
- The U.S. is operationalizing an oil arrangement of roughly 30–50 million barrels using licensed buyers like Chevron and major traders, with proceeds routed into U.S.-controlled escrow accounts rather than directly to PDVSA.
- A new Economist/Premise poll shows strong support inside Venezuela for Maduro’s removal and the U.S. raid, widespread hopes for swift elections within a year, and improved views of the United States.