Five Venezuelan Far-Right Opposition Members Leave Argentinian Embassy: 'Precise Rescue Operation' or Negotiations?

Five Venezuelan far-right opposition members—allies of María Corina Machado—who had been in the Argentinian embassy in Caracas for 400 days have now left the area following negotiations led by the Venezuelan government, according to Telesur journalist Madelein García.

At 9:13 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, García posted a video on social media in which she visited the embassy entrance, noting that it has a single entrance and exit on a one-way street.

She also showed that is heavily guarded by the Venezuelan government, not only because it is the Argentinian diplomatic mission but also due to its proximity to the Russian embassy. Both embassies are located on Avenida de Las Lomas, in the Las Mercedes neighborhood of Caracas.

“The people who left did so because they negotiated their departure with the Venezuelan government,” she said. The journalist recalled that the five asylum seekers at the diplomatic headquarters were under investigation for their criminal involvement in events before, during, and after the July 28, 2024, presidential election.

She also posted a second message with a video showing the facade of the Argentinian embassy.

Marco Rubio talks about “rescue”
The journalist also rejected the validity of claims published an hour earlier, at 8:03 p.m., by US Senator Marco Rubio, who alleged that the event of the opposition members’ departure was somehow a “successful rescue operation.”

“The United States celebrates the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas,” Rubio claimed. “Following a precise operation, all hostages are now safely on US soil,” adding, “We extend our gratitude to all personnel involved and to our partners who helped secure the safe release of these Venezuelan heroes.”

Seven minutes later, opposition extremist leader María Corina Machado tweeted her thanks, calling it “an impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five Venezuelan heroes. My recognition and infinite gratitude to all who made it possible,” without clarifying whether it was a “rescue” or the result of negotiations with the Venezuelan government.

The far-right Argentinian presidential office also issued a statement labeling the development a “successful operation.”

Journalist Madelein García dismissed the “rescue operation” narrative, and condemned Rubio’s involvement in sending 252 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT). She also cited the case of two-year-old Maikelys Espinoza, separated from her parents by US imperial authorities.

According to local Venezuelan media, those who left the embassy are Magalli Meda, Claudia Macero, Pedro Urruchurtu, Humberto Villalobos, and Omar González — all charged by the Public Prosecutor’s Office with treason and conspiracy. Reports suggest they have allegedly left the country.

“We are certain Magalli Meda is en route to Spain, where her daughter will receive her. Claudia Macero left the Argentinian embassy days earlier and is in Argentina,” García explained. “When [Salvadoran President] Bukele proposed exchanging the 252 Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador, he referenced four people in the embassy, as one had already departed.”

“The big question is: What did they negotiate? We’ll find out later,” García concluded.

Venezuela Revokes Authorization for Brazil’s Custody of Argentinian Embassy in Caracas

“Good news”
Venezuelan anti-Chavista journalist Vladimir Villegas also confirmed the departure of Machado’s collaborators on Tuesday. “The departure of the asylum seekers from the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas is good news,” he wrote on social media. “Undoubtedly, there was a negotiation. And negotiating is not betraying. Repeat after me: Negotiating is not betraying, negotiating is not betraying, negotiating is not betraying…”

On the same platform, Villegas added: “I’m told the Brazilian Embassy in Caracas was not directly involved in the expulsion of asylum seekers from the Argentinian Embassy, though Itamaraty [Brazil’s Foreign Ministry] may have played a role.”

Venezuela severed relations with Argentina after far-right neoliberal President Javier Milei rejected the results of the July 28 presidential elections of Venezuela. Since then, the embassy has been under Brazilian protection.

(Alba Ciudad) by Luigino Bracci Roa

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/JRE/AU