On May 7, 2025, Brazilian diplomats expressed surprise at the U.S.-led operation to extract Venezuelan opposition members from the Argentine embassy in Caracas. The operation, which occurred on May 6, was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the rescued individuals were allies of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
The backdrop to this operation is the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro's government has faced accusations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. In the wake of these accusations, the Argentine government, under President Javier Milei, has refused to recognize Maduro's victory in the 2024 elections, leading to the expulsion of Argentine diplomats from Caracas. Subsequently, Brazil assumed custody of the Argentine embassy, tasked with the protection of the opposition members seeking asylum.
According to reports, the Brazilian government was unaware of the U.S. operation, which was executed without prior notification or collaboration. Brazilian diplomats indicated that their consistent approach had been to negotiate safe passage for the opposition members, a request that had been denied by the Maduro regime. One diplomat emphasized, "We conduct diplomacy, not Hollywood operations," reflecting the frustration within the Brazilian Foreign Ministry regarding the lack of communication from the U.S. and Argentina.
The U.S. operation was described as "precise" by Rubio, who celebrated the successful rescue on social media, stating, "The U.S. celebrates the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas." He further labeled Maduro's government as "illegitimate" and accused it of undermining Venezuelan institutions and violating human rights.
In a statement, President Milei acknowledged the operation, thanking Rubio for his personal commitment to the rescue. However, notably absent from Milei's remarks was any mention of the Brazilian government, which had been responsible for the safety of the asylum seekers since August 2024. This omission has raised eyebrows, particularly given Brazil's crucial role in providing protection for the opposition leaders during their time in the embassy.
The five individuals rescued had been living in the embassy since March 2024, having sought refuge from the Venezuelan authorities who accused them of conspiracy. They had faced dire conditions, lacking basic utilities such as electricity and running water, and had been under constant threat from local security forces, which surrounded the embassy.
In the wake of the operation, the Venezuelan government has attempted to frame the rescue as a negotiated release, suggesting that safe passage was granted. However, both the U.S. and Argentine governments have characterized the event as a military extraction. This discrepancy highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the issue.
Machado praised the operation as "impeccable" and "epic," expressing gratitude to those involved in the rescue. She stated, "This operation represents a significant step towards the liberation of our heroes and the fight against tyranny in Venezuela." Her comments underscore the symbolic importance of the operation for the Venezuelan opposition.
Despite the successful rescue, the operation has left lingering questions about the future of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Argentina, particularly in light of Brazil's previous role in safeguarding the embassy. Brazil had been actively engaged in negotiations with the Maduro regime to secure better living conditions for the asylum seekers, including access to food and medical supplies.
The Brazilian government has indicated that it will continue to advocate for the rights of Venezuelans and maintain its diplomatic presence in Caracas, despite the recent challenges. Brazilian officials have reiterated their commitment to diplomacy, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
As the situation unfolds, Lula’s upcoming meeting with Maduro in Russia may provide an opportunity to address these diplomatic tensions. The two leaders are set to meet during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, marking their first face-to-face encounter since the controversial 2024 elections in Venezuela.
In summary, the U.S. operation to rescue Venezuelan opposition members has sparked a complex diplomatic scenario involving Brazil and Argentina. While the operation has been celebrated by some, it has also raised questions about the roles of the involved countries and the implications for future diplomatic relations in the region.
