Venezuela has started releasing multiple Americans detained across the country, according to a US State Department official.
The official did not confirm the identities or number of prisoners released by Venezuela, but referred to the move as an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.
This marks the first known release of American citizens since a US military operation captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a raid in Caracas on January 3, to face drug trafficking charges in New York.
The UN reports that approximately 50 prisoners have been released so far, amidst claims from human rights groups that around 800 political prisoners are currently detained in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government, under Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced last week its commitment to releasing a significant number of individuals categorized as political prisoners as a goodwill gesture.
Among those confirmed released are some domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish citizens.
Former President Donald Trump celebrated the progress on social media, revealing he halted a planned military action against Venezuela once he learned the authorities were cooperating in this regard.
However, the interim government has faced accusations of failing to uphold its promise regarding the comprehensive release of political detainees. Politician Ramón Guanipa, whose father remains imprisoned, urged Trump to be cautious and not to be misled by the government's statements.
Human rights activists have pointed out that Venezuela's leadership has historically denied holding political prisoners, claiming detainees were arrested for legitimate criminal activities. This sentiment has placed significant pressure on the government following the disputed 2024 presidential election.
