Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States rescued hostages held by the regime of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
The five hostages, part of an opposition group against Maduro, were rescued at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas.
In a statement on X, Rubio wrote, “The U.S. 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 U.S. soil. Maduro’s illegitimate regime has undermined Venezuela’s institutions, violated human rights, and endangered our regional security,” he wrote. “We extend our gratitude to all personnel involved in this operation and to our partners who assisted in securing the safe liberation of these Venezuelan heroes.”
Argentine President Javier Milei celebrated the effort, thanking Rubio “for his personal commitment to the operation, which made it possible for these heroes to finally recover their freedom,” an official statement read, as per the Buenos Aires Herald.
Milei’s government allowed the five individuals to stay at the ambassador’s residence in March 2024 after arrest warrants were issued by the Maduro regime.
Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called the operation “impeccable.”
“An impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five heroes of Venezuela,” she wrote. “My infinite recognition and gratitude to all those who made it possible.”
“We will free each of our 900 heroes imprisoned by this tyranny and 30 MILLION VENEZUELANS!” Machado noted. “And with Freedom, will come irreversible change to a Venezuela of Prosperity, Justice and Peace!”
