**Five Venezuelan Opposition Leaders Rescued in US Operation from Caracas Embassy**

**Five Venezuelan opposition members who sought refuge at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas have been successfully brought to the US amid ongoing tensions with the Maduro government.**

Five Venezuelan opposition leaders, who had been sheltered at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas to evade arrest by the Maduro government, were successfully rescued and brought to the United States, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "The US welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas," Rubio stated on social media, confirming that the operation had been precise and effective.

The five opposition figures, who had been under siege in the embassy for over a year, faced increasing pressure from Venezuelan security forces that had surrounded the vicinity as part of a crackdown on dissent. Prominent opposition leader Maria Corina Machado praised the operation as "an impeccable and epic operation for the freedom of five heroes," expressing gratitude to all involved in the mission.

The Argentine government, represented by President Javier Milei, had previously granted the five leaders asylum, amidst allegations that the results of the last Venezuelan election—which afforded Maduro a third term—were disputed by several nations, including Argentina. The Argentine foreign ministry commended both Rubio and the US government for their role in securing the escape of the once beleaguered asylum seekers.

In previous years, the opposition members routinely posted videos documenting their precarious situation, highlighting the oppressive measures taken by Venezuelan authorities, including the severing of electricity and water supplies to the embassy. The government's justification for the siege stemmed from claims of uncovering plots against Maduro and his administration.

Although Rubio did not disclose the names of those rescued, the key figures identified include Magalli Meda, Pedro Urruchurtu, Omar Gonzalez, Humberto Villalobos, and Claudia Macero. Specific details regarding the logistics of their departure from the embassy remain unclear, as well as the direct involvement of US agencies in the operation.

Following recent diplomatic tensions, the Brazilian government, which had been overseeing the embassy's protection, lost this control when the Maduro government revoked its custodianship. This move was seen as part of an effort to diminish diplomatic protections for opposition figures. The successful development in rescuing these political leaders adds a new chapter to the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela, amidst escalating geopolitical dynamics.