Venezuelan Security Forces Surround Argentine Embassy in Caracas, Opposition Leaders Report

Venezuelan security forces, including armed and hooded officers, have surrounded Argentina’s embassy in Caracas, according to opposition leaders. Six members of the opposition are currently sheltering inside the embassy, having sought refuge to avoid a crackdown by Venezuelan authorities ahead of July’s presidential elections.

Pedro Urruchurtu, an international coordinator for opposition leader María Corina Machado, has been staying in the embassy since March. He reported on Saturday via social media that members of the National Police had blocked off streets surrounding the embassy, while drones hovered above and phone signals were reportedly cut off.

Omar González, another opposition figure seeking refuge at the embassy, shared a video showing Venezuelan police stationed outside the diplomatic compound.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared victory in the July election, despite widespread doubts both domestically and internationally regarding the legitimacy of the results. Opposition leader Edmundo González, who was recognized by the United States as the election’s true winner, warned in a post on social media about the situation. He described the embassy as being “besieged by hooded people” and urged the international community to remain vigilant about the safety of those sheltering inside.

“I alert the world to what may happen to fellow refugees in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas,” González said, raising concerns for the individuals currently inside.