Days after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently exiled, accused the Venezuelan government of blocking her return and hindering rescue efforts. Machado was in Panama when her flight to Caracas was canceled following the Venezuelan government’s sudden closure of its airspace to commercial flights.

In a video posted to X, Machado stated, "The regime wants to block my return to Venezuela, as well as the return of thousands of fellow Venezuelans who want to go and help. Just as it has tried to block the generous work of thousands upon thousands of citizens distributing food and medicine across the country, and just as it has blocked the arrival of international rescue teams left stranded at airports."

She further accused the government of restricting journalists' access, claiming they "want to bury the truth when Venezuelans want to bury our dead with dignity," and said the government ordered the cancellation of flights "of all airlines in an emergency situation" to prevent arrivals.

Reports from The Washington Post highlight additional government interference, including blocked routes and security controls in northern states, extortion payments, and strict reporting restrictions that have hampered international journalism and rescue operations. A viral video shows Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, indicted in the U.S. for narcoterrorism, obstructing a U.S. first responder attempting to save a person trapped under rubble.

An amnesty law passed in February excluded individuals prosecuted for promoting military action against the previous government, including Machado, who remains barred from holding public office until 2036, limiting her political role.

The United States, which recognizes the regime of Rodriguez as illegitimate, stated it continues focusing on humanitarian assistance and increasing relief efforts to support Venezuela.

Sources