The Special Envoy of President Donald Trump, Richard Grenell, confirmed that six Americans were released in Venezuela on January 31. Upon their return to the United States, the released individuals were interrogated and described the harsh conditions they endured while detained.
A New Mission Underway
Grenell stated that his next objective is to return to Caracas to rescue six more Americans who are still being held. In an interview with Megyn Kelly, he assured that they are already working on it.
“There are at least six (…) and we are working on it. We will definitely return,” he declared.
Detention Conditions
According to Grenell, the six released individuals lived in total darkness during their detention. He also explained that only four of them wore prison uniforms, while the other two refused because they suspected it was another deception.
“Four of them were in blue prison uniforms, but two wore normal clothing. They told us that they had been told to prepare for release before, but it turned out to be false,” Grenell detailed.
Talks with Maduro
Grenell shared details of his meeting with Nicolás Maduro and his officials. The Venezuelan leader attempted to negotiate in exchange for the hostages’ release, but the diplomat stood firm.
“President Maduro told me: ‘We will give you these, and now these are the things we want.’ I replied that my presence there was the gift, as he would use this for propaganda purposes,” Grenell explained.
Tense Moments Before the Release
The handover of the hostages was a process full of tension and uncertainty. Grenell recounted that the team waited more than two and a half hours on the tarmac without knowing if the detainees would be released.
“We waited and waited, everyone on the plane was very nervous. We didn’t know what was going to happen,” he confessed.
Finally, when the vehicles arrived, the diplomat noticed that the detainees were wearing black hoods and were handcuffed. At that moment, he decided to intervene directly.
“I am a U.S. diplomat. Get on the plane right now,” he said as the hoods and handcuffs were removed.
A Highly Emotional Moment
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