Venezuela has escalated tensions with Argentina following the arrest of Argentine military officer Nahuel Gallo, who has been charged with terrorism. According to Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab, Gallo is accused of being linked to destabilizing activities with the support of international far-right groups.
The incident unfolded on December 8, when Gallo, who serves as a corporal in Argentina's Gendarmería security force, sought permission to enter Venezuela through its immigration office located along the Colombian border. Gallo’s family claims he traveled to Venezuela to visit his Venezuelan wife, who was reportedly spending time with her mother.
Venezuelan officials assert Gallo was part of efforts aimed at committing terrorist acts against the Venezuelan state. “He is part of a group of people who tried to commit destabilizing and terrorist acts (in Venezuela) with the support of international far-right groups,” Saab stated via Instagram.
Argentina's response has been vehement. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich publicly denounced the charges as “another lie” from the Venezuelan government, insisting Gallo should be returned to Argentina immediately. This contentious case has the potential to significantly impact the already fraught diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The diplomatic climate between Venezuela and Argentina has worsened since the election of far-right President Javier Milei, who along with other Latin American leaders, refused to acknowledge the reelection of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last July. Following these events, Venezuela expelled Argentine diplomats, leading to increased hostility.
Currently, Argentina’s embassy in Caracas is sheltering five opposition activists who have sought refuge from arrest. Reports indicate these activists are under intense pressure from Venezuelan security forces, with allegations of cut-off utilities as the Venezuelan government aims to compel them to leave the embassy.
While Venezuela claims these activists are using the embassy as a base to plan terrorist activities, human rights organizations, including Foro Penal, assert there are currently 19 foreigners detained as political prisoners within the country. This backdrop of arrests includes two Spanish citizens who were accused of attempting to overthrow Maduro shortly after Spain recognized opposition leader Edmundo González.
The allegations against Gallo are more than just individual charges; they reflect deep-seated political tensions and differing narratives being presented by both governments involved. With the Argentine government labeling the charges as politically motivated, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable.
The case serves as yet another flashpoint in the deterioriating relationship between Argentina and Venezuela, raising questions about the treatment of individuals caught between these conflicting political ideologies.
