The United States has denied allegations of CIA involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The rejection by the US State Department comes after the arrest of several foreign nationals, including three Americans, by Venezuelan authorities.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}">An assassination plot</h2>

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's interior minister, claimed on state television that foreign individuals, including a US Navy member, were part of a CIA-led conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the Venezuelan government and killing several of its leaders.

Cabello also showed images of rifles allegedly confiscated from the alleged plotters of the assassination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:710,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2051}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-scene-at-least-25-dead-40-injured-while-trying-to-collect-leaking-fuel-from-tank-in-haiti-758743">'Horrible scene': At least 25 dead, 40 injured while trying to collect leaking fuel from tank in Haiti</a>

In response, as per&nbsp;ABC News,&nbsp;the US State Department said it knew about the "unconfirmed reports of two additional US citizens detained in Venezuela."

However, it added, "Any claims of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:352,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2189}">Venezuela's contentious elections</h2>

The allegations follow recent US sanctions imposed on 16 Maduro allies, who were accused of obstructing voting and committing human rights abuses during the contentious July 28 presidential election.&nbsp;

Spain's parliament recently recognised opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the election winner, a move that angered Maduro's supporters and led to calls for the suspension of relations between Venezuela and Spain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:513,&quot;w&quot;:679,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2350}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-yagi-death-toll-rises-to-74-in-myanmar-89-missing-as-floods-and-landslides-wreak-havoc-758755">Typhoon Yagi death toll rises to 74 in Myanmar; 89 missing as floods and landslides wreak havoc</a>

Tensions between Venezuela and the US have escalated since the election, which saw widespread protests and the arrest of numerous opposition activists. The Venezuelan electoral council, which supports Maduro, reported him as the winner with 52 per cent of the vote. However, opposition figures, who collected and published tally sheets from 80 per cent of voting machines, claimed Gonzalez had twice as many votes.

Despite international criticism, Venezuela's supreme court confirmed Maduro's victory in August, leading to conspiracy charges against Gonzalez, who fled to Spain. Maduro has rejected calls from countries like Colombia and Brazil to provide detailed election results, and has previously accused the US of attempting to destabilise his government through sanctions and covert operations.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has denied allegations of CIA involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The rejection by the US State Department comes after the arrest of several foreign nationals, including three Americans, by Venezuelan authorities.

The United States has denied allegations of CIA involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The rejection by the US State Department comes after the arrest of several foreign nationals, including three Americans, by Venezuelan authorities. An assassination plot Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's interior minister, claimed on state television that foreign individuals, including a US Navy member, were part of a CIA-led conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the Venezuelan government and killing several of its leaders. Cabello also showed images of rifles allegedly confiscated from the alleged plotters of the assassination. Also read | 'Horrible scene': At least 25 dead, 40 injured while trying to collect leaking fuel from tank in Haiti In response, as per ABC News, the US State Department said it knew about the "unconfirmed reports of two additional US citizens detained in Venezuela." However, it added, "Any claims of US involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro are categorically false. The United States continues to support a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela." Venezuela's contentious elections The allegations follow recent US sanctions imposed on 16 Maduro allies, who were accused of obstructing voting and committing human rights abuses during the contentious July 28 presidential election. Spain's parliament recently recognised opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as the election winner, a move that angered Maduro's supporters and led to calls for the suspension of relations between Venezuela and Spain. Also read | Typhoon Yagi death toll rises to 74 in Myanmar; 89 missing as floods and landslides wreak havoc Tensions between Venezuela and the US have escalated since the election, which saw widespread protests and the arrest of numerous opposition activists. The Venezuelan electoral council, which supports Maduro, reported him as the winner with 52 per cent of the vote. However, opposition figures, who collected and published tally sheets from 80 per cent of voting machines, claimed Gonzalez had twice as many votes. Despite international criticism, Venezuela's supreme court confirmed Maduro's victory in August, leading to conspiracy charges against Gonzalez, who fled to Spain. Maduro has rejected calls from countries like Colombia and Brazil to provide detailed election results, and has previously accused the US of attempting to destabilise his government through sanctions and covert operations. (With inputs from agencies)

US denies CIA involvement in alleged assassination plot of Venezuela President Maduro

It seems some of the postelection tension in Venezuela has followed opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez to Spain and his self-exile has caused a rift in bilateral ties between the two nations. Days after Gonzalez reached Spain the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the Venezuelan leader at the Moncloa Palace. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela opposition leader Gonzalez's exile to Spain causing strain in diplomatic ties?

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez gather outside Spain's parliament while lawmakers debate a non-binding motion to urge the Spanish government to officially recognize him as the winner of presidential elections.

Spain: Supporters of Edmundo Gonzalez throng parliament to back govt's motion

Venezuelan opposition Presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has landed in Spain after fleeing his own country. An arrest warrant there accuses him of terrorism and conspiracy during July's disputed Presidential elections even as the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken says that the US stands with the Venezuelan opposition candidate. Watch in to know more.

Venezuela opposition candidate Gonzalez arrives in Spain seeking asylum

Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has arrived in Spain to seek Asylum. The 75-year-old said in an audio note that he was threatened to flee the country. Watch in to know more.

Venezuela opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez seeks asylum in Spain

Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has arrived in Spain to seek Asylum. The 75-year-old said in an audio note that he was threatened to flee the country. Watch to know more.

Edmundo Gonzalez sends audio note prior to his departure

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado insisted Thursday that the United States should recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner of the July 28 elections at which the incumbent Nicolás Maduro claims to have prevailed despite producing no evidence to support these allegations other than a declaration from the pro-Government National Electoral Council (CNE) and a ruling validating it from the subservient electoral branch of the Supreme Court (TSJ).

Venezuela attorney general urges Gonzalez to appear in court

Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala were on target as Argentina tightened their grip on South America's 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament with a 3-0 win over Chile on Thursday. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister swept in a low finish three minutes after half-time to break the deadlock at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against a defensive Chile side.

Former Manchester City striker Alvarez doubled the lead in the 84th minute with a thumping shot from outside the area before substitute Dybala put the seal on the victory with a late strike in stoppage time. It was another clinical victory for the reigning world champions, who are now cruising towards confirming their place at the 2026 finals being staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Lionel Scaloni's team lead South America's 10-team round-robin qualifying table by five points after seven games. The top six teams in the final standings qualify automatically for the 2026 finals in North America with the seventh-placed team advancing to a playoff.

Argentina, who also beat Chile 1-0 on their way to clinching back-to-back Copa America titles earlier this year, went into Thursday's game missing injured captain Lionel Messi and veteran winger Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after the Copa America triumph in July.

Di Maria was feted by his former teammates at a pre-game ceremony before taking his place in the stands to watch the world champions secure their sixth win from seven qualifying games. Despite the absence of Messi and Di Maria, Argentina had plenty of creative guile in attack with Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid's Alvarez causing problems for the Chile defense.

Argentina, meanwhile, controlled midfield with Mac Allister lining up alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez. After a cagey first-half, the breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Alvarez whipped in a low cross from the right.

Martinez dummied cleverly and allowed the ball to roll through to Mac Allister, who guided an accurate shot into the bottom corner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-winners-spain-held-in-nations-league-ronaldo-scores-900th-goal-during-portugals-win-over-croatia-756283">Euro winners Spain held in Nations League, Ronaldo scores 900th goal during Portugal's win over Croatia</a>

<h2>- Bolivia thrash Venezuela -</h2>

In Thursday's other qualifier, Bolivia reignited their campaign with a 4-0 drubbing over Venezuela in a game played more than 4,000m (13,100 feet) above sea level. Goals from Ramiro Vaca, Carmelo Algaranaz, Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro handed Bolivia only their second win of qualifying and lifted them into seventh place in the standings.

The result was a vindication of Bolivia's move to play Thursday's game in El Alto -- Spanish for "The Heights" -- rather than at their usual home venue in neighboring La Paz, which is 3,600m above sea level. The thin air of El Alto clearly left Venezuela's players struggling for energy against a Bolivian team aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since reaching the 1994 finals in the United States.

Despite his team's heavy loss, Venezuela coach Fernando Batista refused to dwell on the altitude issue after the game. "Out of 10 questions, eight are about altitude," Batista said. "You won't hear anything from me about it."

The pick of Bolivia's goals came from Vaca after just 13 minutes. The 25-year-old midfielder gathered the ball around 30 yards from goal, cut in from the left and unleashed a ferocious shot which flew into the top corner.

Venezuela, the only team from South America never to have qualified for a World Cup, remain well-placed to reach the finals despite Thursday's loss. The 'Vinotinto' are fourth in the standings with nine points from seven games, trailing Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia.

Venezuela host Uruguay next Tuesday in their eighth game of qualifying.&nbsp;South America's qualifiers continue on Friday with second-placed Uruguay hosting Paraguay in Montevideo while struggling Brazil, who are 11 points adrift of leaders Argentina in sixth, face Ecuador in Curitiba.

Third-placed Colombia, meanwhile, travel to Lima to face bottom-of-the-table Peru.

Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala were on target as Argentina tightened their grip on South America's 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament with a 3-0 win over Chile on Thursday.

Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala were on target as Argentina tightened their grip on South America's 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament with a 3-0 win over Chile on Thursday. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister swept in a low finish three minutes after half-time to break the deadlock at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against a defensive Chile side. Former Manchester City striker Alvarez doubled the lead in the 84th minute with a thumping shot from outside the area before substitute Dybala put the seal on the victory with a late strike in stoppage time. It was another clinical victory for the reigning world champions, who are now cruising towards confirming their place at the 2026 finals being staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Lionel Scaloni's team lead South America's 10-team round-robin qualifying table by five points after seven games. The top six teams in the final standings qualify automatically for the 2026 finals in North America with the seventh-placed team advancing to a playoff. Argentina, who also beat Chile 1-0 on their way to clinching back-to-back Copa America titles earlier this year, went into Thursday's game missing injured captain Lionel Messi and veteran winger Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after the Copa America triumph in July. Di Maria was feted by his former teammates at a pre-game ceremony before taking his place in the stands to watch the world champions secure their sixth win from seven qualifying games. Despite the absence of Messi and Di Maria, Argentina had plenty of creative guile in attack with Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid's Alvarez causing problems for the Chile defense. Argentina, meanwhile, controlled midfield with Mac Allister lining up alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez. After a cagey first-half, the breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Alvarez whipped in a low cross from the right. Martinez dummied cleverly and allowed the ball to roll through to Mac Allister, who guided an accurate shot into the bottom corner. Also read: Euro winners Spain held in Nations League, Ronaldo scores 900th goal during Portugal's win over Croatia - Bolivia thrash Venezuela - In Thursday's other qualifier, Bolivia reignited their campaign with a 4-0 drubbing over Venezuela in a game played more than 4,000m (13,100 feet) above sea level. Goals from Ramiro Vaca, Carmelo Algaranaz, Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro handed Bolivia only their second win of qualifying and lifted them into seventh place in the standings. The result was a vindication of Bolivia's move to play Thursday's game in El Alto -- Spanish for "The Heights" -- rather than at their usual home venue in neighboring La Paz, which is 3,600m above sea level. The thin air of El Alto clearly left Venezuela's players struggling for energy against a Bolivian team aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since reaching the 1994 finals in the United States. Despite his team's heavy loss, Venezuela coach Fernando Batista refused to dwell on the altitude issue after the game. "Out of 10 questions, eight are about altitude," Batista said. "You won't hear anything from me about it." The pick of Bolivia's goals came from Vaca after just 13 minutes. The 25-year-old midfielder gathered the ball around 30 yards from goal, cut in from the left and unleashed a ferocious shot which flew into the top corner. Venezuela, the only team from South America never to have qualified for a World Cup, remain well-placed to reach the finals despite Thursday's loss. The 'Vinotinto' are fourth in the standings with nine points from seven games, trailing Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia. Venezuela host Uruguay next Tuesday in their eighth game of qualifying. South America's qualifiers continue on Friday with second-placed Uruguay hosting Paraguay in Montevideo while struggling Brazil, who are 11 points adrift of leaders Argentina in sixth, face Ecuador in Curitiba. Third-placed Colombia, meanwhile, travel to Lima to face bottom-of-the-table Peru.

Argentina ease past Chile, Bolivia humble Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced an early Christmas holiday on 1 October amid a post-election crisis following the 28 July presidential election, in which he was re-elected but which the opposition denounced as a fraud.

Venezuela: Maduro declares early Christmas amid post-election crisis

In Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela, Christmas will now be celebrated way in advance. The president announced Monday (Sep 2) that this year’s festivities would begin in October.

“It’s September and it already feels like Christmas,” the strongman declared. “So this year – as a way of paying tribute to you and thanking you – I’m going to decree that Christmas be brought forward to 1 October,” Maduro stated during one of his frequent TV appearances.

The precarious leader faced with a host of political challenges promised Venezuelans a Christmas of “peace, happiness and security”.

<h2>Political unrest in Venezuela</h2>

Presidential elections were held in Venezuela in July, officially won by strongman Maduro. However, western media reports point to strong evidence indicating he actually lost the elections to his opposition rival Edmundo González.

Maduro’s refusal to release detailed voting results further raised concerns over the legitimacy of the polls. Furthermore, authorities in Venezuela issued an arrest warrant against González.

As reported by Bloomberg, the US is understood to have prepared a list of sanctions to be imposed on 15 senior administration figures for their alleged obstruction of “the holding of free and fair presidential elections” in Venezuela.

Watch:&nbsp;US Govt seizes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's plane, citing sanctions violations

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Foreign Minister Yván Gil and Supreme Court President Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez Rodríguez could feature on the list.

Military officials who helped Maduro quell opposition and impose his own version of the election outcome may also face sanctions. The repression by the military led to the death of at least 20 people and the arrest of more than 1,700.

The US earlier this week also announced the seizure of a Venezuelan plane used by Maduro for international travel.

This is not the first time that Maduro has brought forward the official date of Christmas. Last year, he announced November 1 as the official Christmas date. In 2021, Maduro said Christmas will begin on October 4 to boost the country’s economy.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela, Christmas will now be celebrated way in advance. The president announced Monday (Sep 2) that this year’s festivities would begin in October.

In Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela, Christmas will now be celebrated way in advance. The president announced Monday (Sep 2) that this year’s festivities would begin in October. “It’s September and it already feels like Christmas,” the strongman declared. “So this year – as a way of paying tribute to you and thanking you – I’m going to decree that Christmas be brought forward to 1 October,” Maduro stated during one of his frequent TV appearances. The precarious leader faced with a host of political challenges promised Venezuelans a Christmas of “peace, happiness and security”. Political unrest in Venezuela Presidential elections were held in Venezuela in July, officially won by strongman Maduro. However, western media reports point to strong evidence indicating he actually lost the elections to his opposition rival Edmundo González. Maduro’s refusal to release detailed voting results further raised concerns over the legitimacy of the polls. Furthermore, authorities in Venezuela issued an arrest warrant against González. As reported by Bloomberg, the US is understood to have prepared a list of sanctions to be imposed on 15 senior administration figures for their alleged obstruction of “the holding of free and fair presidential elections” in Venezuela. Watch: US Govt seizes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's plane, citing sanctions violations × Foreign Minister Yván Gil and Supreme Court President Caryslia Beatriz Rodríguez Rodríguez could feature on the list. Military officials who helped Maduro quell opposition and impose his own version of the election outcome may also face sanctions. The repression by the military led to the death of at least 20 people and the arrest of more than 1,700. The US earlier this week also announced the seizure of a Venezuelan plane used by Maduro for international travel. This is not the first time that Maduro has brought forward the official date of Christmas. Last year, he announced November 1 as the official Christmas date. In 2021, Maduro said Christmas will begin on October 4 to boost the country’s economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Faced with political unrest and US sanctions, Venezuela’s Maduro plays Christmas card

The United States has seized Venezuelan President's plane. According to the US justice department the aircraft was illegally purchased. To know more watch WION.

US Govt seizes Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's plane, citing sanctions violations

Venezuela's attorney general's office said on Monday a court has issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Gonzalez, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes amid a dispute over whether he or President Maduro won a July election. To know more watch WION.

Venezuela issues arrest warrant for opposition leader Gonzalez

US seizes Venezuela President’s airplane in the Dominican Republic

European Union foreign ministers agreed on Thursday they would not recognise the "democratic legitimacy" of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro following the country's disputed election, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela election: EU does not recognise Nicolas Maduro's victory

Venezuela is witnessing protests and jubilance in equal measures at the heart of these contradicting emotions of the people is the political uncertainty that continues to simmer in the country. Here's a report on the lingering postelection turmoil in Venezuela. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela election protests: Will leaders of opposition alliance unseat Nicolas Maduro?

Almost a month after elections the opposition continues to raise an uproar over Nicholas Maduro's re-election alleging foul play. Days after the country's tribunal ratified Maduro's win the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has been asked to appear for a criminal probe against him.

Venezuela: Opposition uproar over poll mandate

Venezuela: Opposition leader Gonzalez accuses Attorney General of bias

Venezuela's Supreme Court, which observers say is loyal to the government of President Nicolas Maduro, on Thursday declared him the winner of the disputed July 28 election amid opposition claims of widespread vote fraud.

In its ruling read by presiding judge Caryslia Rodriguez, the court said it had "indisputably certified election materials and validates the results of the July 28, 2024 presidential election issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE)," naming Maduro as the winner.

Maduro himself had asked the court earlier this month to weigh in on the election, in which he claims to have defeated opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia with 52 per cent of ballots cast, according to the CNE.&nbsp;

The CNE did not provide a precinct-level breakdown of its results, saying it had been the victim of a cyberattack. Observers however say they believe the supposed hack is an excuse to not provide vote results.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopes-shattered-venezuelan-migrants-abandon-plans-to-return-750642">Also read:&nbsp;Hopes shattered, Venezuelan migrants abandon plans to return</a>

The opposition says its own tally of polling-station-level results showed Gonzalez Urrutia, 74, had won more than two-thirds of votes.

"To the court's judges: no decision will replace the will of the people. The country and the world know about your bias and, as a result, your inability to resolve this conflict," Gonzalez Urrutia said earlier Thursday in a social media post.

"Your ruling will only make the crisis worse."

Rodriguez said earlier this month that the court's ruling would be "final."

Official sources have reported 25 people have been killed, 192 injured and 2,400 arrested in election-related protests.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Venezuela's Supreme Court, which observers say is loyal to the government of President Nicolas Maduro, on Thursday declared him the winner of the disputed July 28 election amid opposition claims of widespread vote fraud.

Venezuela's Supreme Court, which observers say is loyal to the government of President Nicolas Maduro, on Thursday declared him the winner of the disputed July 28 election amid opposition claims of widespread vote fraud. In its ruling read by presiding judge Caryslia Rodriguez, the court said it had "indisputably certified election materials and validates the results of the July 28, 2024 presidential election issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE)," naming Maduro as the winner. Maduro himself had asked the court earlier this month to weigh in on the election, in which he claims to have defeated opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia with 52 per cent of ballots cast, according to the CNE. The CNE did not provide a precinct-level breakdown of its results, saying it had been the victim of a cyberattack. Observers however say they believe the supposed hack is an excuse to not provide vote results. Also read: Hopes shattered, Venezuelan migrants abandon plans to return The opposition says its own tally of polling-station-level results showed Gonzalez Urrutia, 74, had won more than two-thirds of votes. "To the court's judges: no decision will replace the will of the people. The country and the world know about your bias and, as a result, your inability to resolve this conflict," Gonzalez Urrutia said earlier Thursday in a social media post. "Your ruling will only make the crisis worse." Rodriguez said earlier this month that the court's ruling would be "final." Official sources have reported 25 people have been killed, 192 injured and 2,400 arrested in election-related protests. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Venezuela top court rules out election fraud, declares Maduro winner

Venezuela's Supreme Court declares Nicolas Maduro winner of the July 28 poll. Maduro had asked the court to decide on the election claims.

Venezuela's Top Court ratifies Maduro's election win

Weeks after Nicholas Maduro claimed victory in a contested election, there seems to be no end to the political rift in Venezuela. An opposition leader has filed a legal request seeking withdrawal of Venezuela's supreme tribunal of justice who is heading a probe into the disputed presidential polls.

Venezuela: Investigation on contested polls underway

Venezuela's political opposition and its supporters gathered in cities around the country on Saturday to demand recognition of what they say is their candidate's resounding victory in a presidential vote nearly three weeks ago.

Venezuela protests: Opposition calls for worldwide protests

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he would support a new election in Venezuela, after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also floated the idea, despite rebuffs from Venezuela’s ruling party and its opposition which both claim victory in the July 28 contest.

Venezuela elections: Biden backs Lula da Silva's plea for fresh polls

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States.

Like others who have sought respite from Venezuela's economic collapse in various countries around the world, Ochoa's last hope for a change that would allow him to return home was dashed by Maduro's disputed win at the polls.

Ochoa, 38, had been confident of an opposition victory, as predicted by opinion polls, in the July 28 vote.

And he thought he would finally be able to return home four years after fleeing the economic crash overseen by Maduro.

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An 80 percent drop in GDP in a decade pushed more than seven million Venezuelans to seek a better life elsewhere -- most of them, some three million, in neighboring Colombia.

Now, with the prospect of another six years of Maduro -- whose purported election victory has been rejected by the opposition, the United States, European Union and several Latin American countries -- many&nbsp;fear that things will never improve.

"I am hitting the road for the United States," Ochoa told AFP in Madrid, a small municipality near Bogota where he rented a small room.

"It makes me angry because we all had hope that things are going to change," he said of the "hard decision" to move on.

When AFP visited Ochoa just days after the election, he had already sold his bed and a bicycle he had used to get to work at a flower plantation.

He had packed a backpack with what he thought he would need for the estimated 15-day walk through the so-called Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama -- a perilous journey through the jungle that claimed dozens of lives last year alone.

After the interview, AFP lost contact with Ochoa.

- 'Beyond our borders' -

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from seeking election by institutions loyal to Maduro, had warned that if the strongman "grabs power," another "three, four, five million" Venezuelans will likely join the exodus.

"What's at stake here goes beyond our borders, beyond Venezuela," she said on election day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-elects-paetongtarn-shinawatra-as-its-youngest-prime-minister-750612">Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister</a>

Ochoa told AFP that a defeat for Maduro -- which the opposition says is what in fact happened -- would have prompted him to join his father back in Venezuela.

His mother and a sister died in his absence.

Instead, he was set to take on the Darien Gap, where migrants face treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs that extort, kidnap and abuse them.

Ronal Rodriguez of the Venezuela Observatory at Colombia's Rosario University told AFP "we already have" a new migration wave from Venezuela.

In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed the lawless corridor, most of them Venezuelans, according to Panamanian figures.

So far this year, the figure stands at 200,000.

In 2022, 62 people died on the trek, and a provisional count for 2023 stands at 34.

Keeping track is difficult as many deaths are never reported, and jungle animals sometimes devour the bodies of those who perish along the way.

- 'God will remove him' -

In Brazil, fellow migrant Yajaira Deyanira Resplandor said she felt "defeated" when she heard the news of Maduro's claimed victory.

"I was sad, hopeless for my country, for the people who have died and those who are imprisoned," the 56-year-old told AFP in a shantytown of Rio de Janeiro.

She arrived in Brazil seven years ago with her two daughters, but yearns to go home "provided the president leaves."

According to official figures, almost 600,000 Venezuelans entered and remained in Brazil from 2017 to June 2024.

For William Clavijo, president of the NGO Venezuela Global, which supports migrants in Brazil, the election outcome plunged many into "great sadness."&nbsp;

"There is uncertainty about the possibility of returning... of having stable lives again, decent wages," he said.

Yet Resplandor remains convinced that one day, "God will remove" Maduro.&nbsp;

Further south, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, migrant Alba Olivero, 70, said she was anxious for a change that would allow her to return home.

"I want to get my life back in Venezuela," she told AFP.

"As soon as the Maduro government falls, I will return to help in the reconstruction of the country," she added.

In Argentina, 29-year-old Mariangel Navas said she had been "almost sure" this would be the year she returned home after six years in Buenos Aires.

"But in this context, I'm not going back," Navas said.

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States.

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States. Like others who have sought respite from Venezuela's economic collapse in various countries around the world, Ochoa's last hope for a change that would allow him to return home was dashed by Maduro's disputed win at the polls. Ochoa, 38, had been confident of an opposition victory, as predicted by opinion polls, in the July 28 vote. And he thought he would finally be able to return home four years after fleeing the economic crash overseen by Maduro. Also read: Mpox crisis: Pak detects 3 cases, China to monitor arrivals of people, goods An 80 percent drop in GDP in a decade pushed more than seven million Venezuelans to seek a better life elsewhere -- most of them, some three million, in neighboring Colombia. Now, with the prospect of another six years of Maduro -- whose purported election victory has been rejected by the opposition, the United States, European Union and several Latin American countries -- many fear that things will never improve. "I am hitting the road for the United States," Ochoa told AFP in Madrid, a small municipality near Bogota where he rented a small room. "It makes me angry because we all had hope that things are going to change," he said of the "hard decision" to move on. When AFP visited Ochoa just days after the election, he had already sold his bed and a bicycle he had used to get to work at a flower plantation. He had packed a backpack with what he thought he would need for the estimated 15-day walk through the so-called Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama -- a perilous journey through the jungle that claimed dozens of lives last year alone. After the interview, AFP lost contact with Ochoa. - 'Beyond our borders' - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from seeking election by institutions loyal to Maduro, had warned that if the strongman "grabs power," another "three, four, five million" Venezuelans will likely join the exodus. "What's at stake here goes beyond our borders, beyond Venezuela," she said on election day. Also read: Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister Ochoa told AFP that a defeat for Maduro -- which the opposition says is what in fact happened -- would have prompted him to join his father back in Venezuela. His mother and a sister died in his absence. Instead, he was set to take on the Darien Gap, where migrants face treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs that extort, kidnap and abuse them. Ronal Rodriguez of the Venezuela Observatory at Colombia's Rosario University told AFP "we already have" a new migration wave from Venezuela. In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed the lawless corridor, most of them Venezuelans, according to Panamanian figures. So far this year, the figure stands at 200,000. In 2022, 62 people died on the trek, and a provisional count for 2023 stands at 34. Keeping track is difficult as many deaths are never reported, and jungle animals sometimes devour the bodies of those who perish along the way. - 'God will remove him' - In Brazil, fellow migrant Yajaira Deyanira Resplandor said she felt "defeated" when she heard the news of Maduro's claimed victory. "I was sad, hopeless for my country, for the people who have died and those who are imprisoned," the 56-year-old told AFP in a shantytown of Rio de Janeiro. She arrived in Brazil seven years ago with her two daughters, but yearns to go home "provided the president leaves." According to official figures, almost 600,000 Venezuelans entered and remained in Brazil from 2017 to June 2024. For William Clavijo, president of the NGO Venezuela Global, which supports migrants in Brazil, the election outcome plunged many into "great sadness." "There is uncertainty about the possibility of returning... of having stable lives again, decent wages," he said. Yet Resplandor remains convinced that one day, "God will remove" Maduro. Further south, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, migrant Alba Olivero, 70, said she was anxious for a change that would allow her to return home. "I want to get my life back in Venezuela," she told AFP. "As soon as the Maduro government falls, I will return to help in the reconstruction of the country," she added. In Argentina, 29-year-old Mariangel Navas said she had been "almost sure" this would be the year she returned home after six years in Buenos Aires. "But in this context, I'm not going back," Navas said.

Hopes shattered, Venezuelan migrants abandon plans to return

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