Venezuela: Opposition leader Machado returns from exile, received by thousands of supporters in Caracas

Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, returned to Caracas after spending nearly a year in exile. Thousands of supporters greeted her upon her arrival, waving flags and chanting for liberty. Wearing her signature white T-shirt and jeans, Machado rode in a convoy of cars and motorcycles as she made her way to the capital city.

She was seen earlier in Guacara, reportedly singing the national anthem in a plaza filled with supporters. Machado's return came after she fled Venezuela in December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting democracy in the autocratic country. She had sought refuge in the Argentine embassy in Caracas and was smuggled out of the country with the help of the United States.

Initially, Machado was hesitant to return due to fears of arrest by the regime of the former President, Nicolas Maduro. However, after the U.S.-led ouster and arrest of Maduro, she chose to return. Her lengthy absence was partly due to the Trump administration's support for interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who received U.S. backing instead of Machado.

Travel restrictions and flight cancellations also prevented her from returning sooner. Machado had previously given her Nobel medal to former U.S. President Donald Trump, but her delayed return was a result of both Trump's concerns over potential tensions during a transition period and Rodriguez's interference.