Venezuela released six American detainees after interviews in Caracas between President Nicolás Maduro and a senior Trump administration official.
The liberation of men was announced on social networks by Donald Trump and his special envoy, Richard Grenell.
Grenell – who published a photo of the six online on board his plane – said they had spoken by phone to President Trump to thank him.
Earlier, the White House had called upon Venezuela to release “American hostages” – as well as to agree to receive Venezuelan criminals expelled by the United States – or to face consequences.
Grenell did not name the six men, who were seen dressed in light blue outfits used by the Venezuelan penitentiary system.
“We are wheels and get home with these 6 American citizens,” Grenell posted on X. “They just talked to @realdonaldtrump and they could not stop thanking him.”
Trump praised the move in a separate post, saying that Grenell brought “six hostages to the house of Venezuela”.
In January, Caracas announced the capture of a group of “mercenaries” who included American citizens.
Venezuelan state media said discussions with President Trump’s envoy had been respectful.
After the meeting, Maduro said the talks had “zero agenda” and that he had asked for a “new start in bilateral relations” with the United States.
However, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday that Grenell’s visit did not signify Maduro’s American recognition as a legitimate leader in Venezuela.
Maduro was sworn in last month for a third term as Venezuelan President, six months after challenging the elections that the opposition and the international community say they have lost.
The official results of the July 2024 elections were largely rejected by the international community, including the United States.
