Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, a U.S. official said, calling the action an "important step" by interim authorities. Delcy Rodriguez — who served as vice president under Nicolás Maduro and is described by some as acting president — ordered the releases, though the number and identities of those freed were not disclosed. President Trump said he called off a planned second wave of strikes, and access to the social network X was restored for many Venezuelans. Several claims about recent events, including reports of Maduro's capture, remain unverified.
Venezuela Begins Releasing Detained Americans; Officials Call Move 'An Important Step' — Details Remain Unclear
Many people in Venezuela were jailed for taking part in protests over the country's 2024 elections, in which Nicolas Maduro was declared the victor despite widespread allegations of vote-rigging (Pedro MATTEY)(Pedro MATTEY/AFP/AFP)
Venezuela on Tuesday began releasing Americans who had been detained in the country, a U.S. State Department official told reporters, calling the move "an important step" by the nation's interim authorities. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said more than one U.S. national had been freed but did not provide immediate details on the number, timing or circumstances of the releases.
Interim Leadership and the Order
Delcy Rodriguez, who served as vice president under Nicolás Maduro and has been identified by some sources as acting president, ordered the detainees' release following recent U.S. operations, according to officials. The exact chain of events and the legal status of those freed were not immediately clear.
U.S. Response
President Donald Trump praised the development and said it led him to call off a planned second wave of strikes on Venezuela, according to official statements. U.S. diplomats have long made the release of citizens detained abroad a priority and secured the freedom of some Americans in prior negotiations with Venezuelan authorities.
Context
Many of the people jailed in Venezuela were reportedly detained after taking part in protests over the contested July 2024 election, in which Maduro was declared the victor amid widespread allegations of fraud. Earlier this month Venezuelan authorities also freed citizens from Spain and Italy, officials said.
Domestic Media And Social Platforms
Domestically, access to the social network X (formerly Twitter) was again available to many Venezuelans on Tuesday after being blocked for more than a year. Rodriguez updated her X profile — noting her previous role as vice president — and posted: "Let us stay united, moving toward economic stability, social justice, and the welfare state we deserve to aspire to." Access to the platform remained spotty in some areas.
Unverified Claims And Ongoing Uncertainty
Some reports state Rodriguez assumed power after Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. military forces on Jan. 3 during attacks that officials say left more than 100 people dead. These claims have been made in statements by parties involved but have not been independently verified in all accounts available at the time of publication. Maduro and his wife are facing U.S. charges alleging drug trafficking, according to U.S. authorities.
What Remains Unknown
Key details remain unclear: the exact number and identities of released Americans, the legal process used for the releases, and independent confirmation of recent security claims. U.S. and Venezuelan officials provided limited comment as events continued to develop.
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