Six out of the eight Americans who were being held in Venezuela have been released as of Friday. This development followed a meeting between Richard Grenell, the special envoy of President Donald Trump, and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump confirmed the news on his account on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "I just received word that we are bringing home six hostages from Venezuela. Thanks to Ric Grenell and all my staff. Great job!" A photo circulating online shows the U.S. official on a plane with the six freed individuals returning to the United States.
The identities of those released have not been disclosed. The eight detained Americans included Gregory David Werber, David Guttenberg Guillarme, Aaron Barrett Logan, Jonathan Pagán González, Wilbert Joseph Castaño, David Estrella, José Marcelo Vargas, and Lucas Hunter, a dual French-American citizen, as reported by the Independent Venezuelan American Citizens (IVAC) organization in Miami.
The Mission to Caracas
Trump's special envoy arrived in Caracas earlier in the day to engage in discussions with Maduro on several critical issues, notably human rights and the status of U.S. citizens held in Venezuela. The visit occurred amidst a politically tense environment, as Maduro embarked on his third term on January 10, amidst a disputed re-election that has not been acknowledged by many countries, including the United States.
Focus of the Diplomatic Visit
Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. Department of State's special envoy for Latin America, highlighted that Grenell's mission was centered on two primary objectives: the repatriation of Venezuelan criminals and gang members to their home country, and the unconditional release of detained American citizens. "This is not a quid pro quo. It's not a negotiation for anything in return," Claver-Carone emphasized, underscoring that the United States is not reliant on Venezuelan oil.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Release of Americans
What prompted the release of the Americans in Venezuela?
The release was facilitated by a meeting between Richard Grenell, the special envoy of President Donald Trump, and Nicolás Maduro, focusing on human rights and the status of detained U.S. citizens.
Who confirmed the release of the American hostages?
President Donald Trump confirmed the release on his X account, formerly known as Twitter.
What were the main objectives of Grenell's visit to Venezuela?
Grenell's visit aimed at negotiating the release of detained American citizens and addressing the repatriation of Venezuelan criminals and gang members.