Venezuela denies that opposition members left country under intl rescue operation
In a surprising turn of events, Venezuela’s government confirmed that members of the opposition who had sought refuge in the Argentine diplomatic compound have left the premises. However, the government refuted claims made by the U.S. State Department and the political faction that their departure was part of an international rescue operation.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the movements of the group were coordinated with the government, contradicting earlier statements from the opposition. He also revealed that one member had exited the compound in August, contrary to the opposition’s narrative.
The controversy escalated when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on social media that a rescue mission had successfully brought the opposition members to the United States. The group had taken refuge in the Argentine ambassador’s residence after facing arrest warrants from authorities loyal to Venezuela’s ruling party.
Among the individuals sheltered in the compound were key figures in the opposition, including the campaign manager and communications director of Maria Corina Machado. One member, Fernando Martinez, who had left the compound in December, later appeared before prosecutors and tragically passed away in February.
Following Rubio’s announcement, Machado expressed gratitude for the operation that she hailed as a step towards the freedom of Venezuelan heroes. However, Cabello countered these claims by stating that only four individuals remained at the embassy after Martinez’s departure.
The group had faced surveillance and alleged service disruptions while in the compound, accusing Maduro’s government of targeting them. Despite the government’s denial of these allegations, tensions continued to rise.
Cabello revealed that Machado had negotiated with the government to allow her mother to leave the country, with her departure to Bogota, Colombia, being confirmed. Machado, who had not been seen in public since January, did not respond immediately to these claims.
The political climate in Venezuela had been tense following the disputed presidential election, leading to protests and a government crackdown on dissenters. The deteriorating situation had strained diplomatic relations with foreign countries, including Argentina.
As these developments unfolded, Machado’s campaign manager reported a raid on her home, alleging further repression by the government. The situation remained volatile as conflicting narratives emerged.
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Reporting by Garcia Cano from Mexico City.
