According to the official statement from the President's Office, the refugees were transferred to U.S. soil in a joint operation with support from the United States. The five opponents are Pedro Urruchurtu, Humberto Villalobos, Claudia Macero, Omar González, and Magalí Meda, all part of the close team of María Corina Machado, leader of the main opposition force in Venezuela.
President Javier Milei especially thanks U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his "personal commitment to this operation, which has made it possible for these true heroes to finally regain their freedom." The Argentine government confirmed this Tuesday the successful departure of the five Venezuelan opponents who had been asylum seekers at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas since March 2024.
"The National Government deeply values the efforts made to ensure the safety and well-being of those who have long been under Argentine protection from the persecution of Nicolás Maduro's regime," the statement notes. The operation was coordinated in secrecy and had international logistical support.
"Their freedom is a priority for this Government, and we will not stop until we achieve it," concludes the official text. Furthermore, the Milei administration reiterates its commitment to the release of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, kidnapped by the Chavista regime.
