US-Venezuela prisoner swap: 10 Americans released in exchange for Maduro ally

The U.S. has freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in return for the release of 10 Americans and the return of a fugitive defence contractor known as “Fat Leonard,” as part of a major prisoner swap with the South American country.

The 10 Americans arrived at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas late on Wednesday.

"There's no way to understand what it's like to be imprisoned unjustly and not have a way out," said Eyvin Hernandez of his time in a Venezuelan prison.

"And so, it's been a long time coming. It was probably the most difficult thing I've ever been through."

It is the largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela and comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to suspend some sanctions.

The 10 individuals were freed in exchange for the release of Columbian businessman Alex Saab, who was granted clemency and returned to Venezuela on Wednesday. Saab was accused of siphoning some $350 million from Venezuela via the United States in a scheme that involved bribing Venezuelan government officials. He denies the charge.

Maduro also agreed to release at least 20 opposition-linked prisoners as part of the deal with the U.S.

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