The Latin Times reported earlier this year that a group of opponents to Venezuela's regime had taken refuge in the Argentine embassy.

However, their ordeal came to an end this week when Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that they had been rescued in a "precise operation."

"All hostages are now safely on U.S. soil"

"The U.S. welcomes the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas," the secretary of state declared in a social media post on Wednesday.

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

"Following a precise operation, all hostages are now safely on U.S. soil. Maduro’s illegitimate regime has undermined Venezuela’s institutions, violated human rights, and endangered our regional security," Rubio explained.

"We extend our gratitude to all personnel involved in this operation and to our partners who assisted in securing the safe liberation of these Venezuelan heroes," he added.

While Rubio did not explain how the rescue had been carried out, the Argentine outlet Infobae cited sources who described it as "a military operation commanded from the United States."

Milei recognizes Rubio for his "personal commitment"

Argentine President Javier Milei spoke up as well in a statement of his own which expressed gratitude for the operation and singled out Rubio for his "personal commitment."

He asserted that "the National Government [of Argentina] deeply appreciates the efforts made to ensure the safety and well-being of those who for a long time were under Argentine protection from persecution by the regime of Nicolás Maduro."

"Likewise, we will continue to work hard in cooperation with our allies to achieve the release of the Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, illegally kidnapped by the Venezuelan dictatorship," Milei pledged.

Argentina's leader further pledged that Gallo's "freedom is a priority for this government and we will not stop until it is achieved."

Dissidents took refuge in embassy following crackdown

Breitbart recalled how the rescued individuals had been targeted by an anti-dissident campaign unleashed last year by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The group proceeded to take refuge in Argentina's embassy, which subsequently came under siege, with Venezuela's regime regularly cutting off power and water services to the building.

Brazil later assumed responsibility for the building when Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with Argentina over the latter's refusal to recognize Maduro's election victory.