In a daring operation that defied socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that “all hostages are now safely on U.S. soil.”
Labeled a “successful rescue,” the Trump administration recovered five Venezuelan opposition members who had been trapped inside the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas.
The bold mission brings these freedom fighters to American soil while dealing another blow to Venezuela’s oppressive regime that continues to crush opposition under Maduro’s iron fist.
The five opposition members had been sheltered in the Argentine ambassador’s residence since March 2024.
They were successfully extracted from Caracas in what officials described as a “precise operation.”
The rescued individuals include key figures from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s team: Magalli Meda, Pedro Urruchurtu, Omar Gonzalez, Humberto Villalobos, and Claudia Macero.
Secretary Rubio proudly announced the mission’s success on social media, declaring:
“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.”
The opposition members had sought refuge in the embassy to avoid arrest warrants issued by Venezuelan authorities.
During their time in the diplomatic compound, the group faced ongoing harassment from Maduro’s regime, including surveillance and service disruptions.
Embassy staff reported electricity and water cuts—tactics commonly employed by socialist regimes to intimidate political opponents—though Venezuela’s dictator denied responsibility.
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…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 7, 2025
Machado praised the move on X as an “impeccable and epic operation for the Freedom of five heroes of Venezuela.”
The Maduro regime has yet to comment on the operation, which represents a significant embarrassment for the dictator.
The silence from Caracas speaks volumes as the socialist government struggles to maintain a façade of control while its opponents escape its grasp.
The Venezuelan government had previously claimed it targeted these opposition figures due to alleged “terrorist activities and assassination attempts” against Maduro, claims widely dismissed as political persecution.
This successful rescue arrives at a crucial moment as Venezuela attempts to appease the Trump administration, which has threatened to reimpose devastating oil sanctions.
With a Chevron license to operate in Venezuela set to expire, Maduro’s regime faces increasing economic pressure.
The opposition members’ escape also occurs just weeks before regional elections, where Maduro’s government is desperately trying to appear democratic while roughly 900 political prisoners remain detained.
The Argentine government, led by conservative President Javier Milei, had allowed the politicians to stay at the embassy despite pressure from Maduro.
After the rescue, Argentina’s foreign ministry thanked Rubio and the United States for the operation.
The embassy had previously been under Brazilian representation after Argentina-Venezuela diplomatic relations deteriorated, but Venezuela revoked Brazil’s custody in September, escalating tensions.
While details of how the escape was executed remain classified, the operation demonstrates America’s commitment to protecting freedom fighters in a region increasingly threatened by socialist dictatorships.
