U.S. seeks safe passage for Venezuelan opposition members hiding in Argentine embassy amid Maduro's crackdown

The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela has called for an end to the persecution of six opposition members who are currently taking refuge in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas. It has requested safe passage for the individuals so they can travel through the country without risking arrest.

The Argentine Embassy is currently sheltering Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli, Humberto Villalobos, Claudia Macero, Omar González, Fernando Martínez, and Mottola Magalí Meda who, all affiliated with opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, who sought asylum after the Venezuelan government issued their arrest warrants for conspiracy.

The situation was further complicated this week, following Argentina's denunciation of electoral fraud by Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections. In response, the government determined the expulsion of Argentine officials, something that would force the asylum seekers to vacate the premises as well.

The Maduro regime has given the Argentine diplomats a three-day deadline, which expires on Thursday, citing the country's perceived interference.

In a statement released through X by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, the U.S. government said the following:

The threats and persecution against members of the democratic opposition sheltered in the Argentine embassy in Caracas must stop. We call for the immediate approval of your safe passage.

Argentina is currently assessing the best way to ensure the safe departure of its diplomats without compromising the situation of the asylum seekers. Argentina's Foreign ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, warning against "any deliberate action that endangers the safety of Argentine diplomatic personnel and Venezuelan citizens under protection."

According to local outlet Infobae, the Argentine government is currently exploring two main options: transferring the asylum seekers to the embassies of Paraguay or El Salvador, both allies of Argentina with strong ties to President Javier Milei. If this is not feasible, Argentina will seek another nation willing to provide refuge to the Venezuelan opposition members.