Venezuela frees six US men after Trump envoy meets Maduro

Venezuela has freed six US detainees after talks in Caracas between President Nicolás Maduro and a senior Trump administration official.

The release of the men was announced on social media by Donald Trump and his special envoy, Richard Grenell.

Grenell – who published online a photo of the six on board his plane – said they had spoken by phone to President Trump to thank him.

Earlier, the White House had called on Venezuela to release “US hostages” – as well as agreeing to receive Venezuelan criminals deported by the US – or face consequences.

Grenell did not name the six men, who were seen dressed in light blue outfits used by the Venezuelan prison system.

“We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens,” Grenell posted on X. “They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and they couldn’t stop thanking him.”

Trump hailed the move in a separate post, saying Grenell was bringing “six hostages home from Venezuela”.

Venezuelan state media said the discussions with President Trump’s envoy had been respectful.

In January, Caracas announced the capture of a group of “mercenaries” who included US citizens.

Maduro was sworn in last month for a third term as Venezuelan president, six months after disputed elections which the opposition and international community say he lost.

The official results of the July 2024 election have been widely rejected by the international community, including the US.

Grenell’s visit did not mean US recognition of Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier on Friday.