The interim government in Venezuela has freed at least four American citizens who were held prisoner under Nicolás Maduro’s rule, according to reports.
This is the first time Americans have been released since the U.S. military took action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug charges in New York.
A State Department official stated, “We are happy about the release of Americans held in Venezuela. This shows the interim leaders are moving in the right direction.”
President Trump has commented that Venezuela is starting to release political prisoners.
“Venezuela has begun freeing their political prisoners in a BIG WAY!” Trump posted. “Thank you! I hope these prisoners remember they were lucky the USA stepped in and did what was needed.”
Venezuela’s interim government says that 116 prisoners have been let go, but a non-government group, Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón, has only confirmed about 70 releases, according to reports.
Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, said that more prisoners will be released.
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has warned Americans in Venezuela to leave the country right away, due to security concerns and limited help available in emergencies.
The warning mentioned reports of armed groups operating on roads in Venezuela.
Following the military action, President Trump suggested that the U.S. might “run” Venezuela for a while.
He stated, “We’re going to run the country until we can make a safe, proper, and fair change.”
