María Machado Returns to Venezuela After Exile

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after more than 10 months in exile. She announced her arrival on the social media platform X on Sunday, stating, "I am here. With you."

Machado's return followed several previous attempts to re-enter the country that were unsuccessful. Upon her arrival, she attended Mass at a church in the state of Lara, where she was met by enthusiastic supporters. Later, large crowds lined the route of her journey through Caracas.

Her exile began after she fled Venezuela under the cover of darkness more than 10 months ago. She had traveled to Norway to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

In January, the United States sanctioned Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. At that time, the Trump administration had backed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's deputy, to serve as interim president. Rodríguez was subsequently sworn into office.