Argentine president demands release of soldier arrested in Venezuela

18/12/2024 12:25

Argentine President Javier Milei on Tuesday demanded that Venezuelan authorities immediately free an Argentine soldier arrested earlier this month who Milei said entered Venezuela to visit family, in the latest flare-up between the two South American nations.



At a military school event, President Javier Milei said security forces under the command of the "criminal dictator Nicolas Maduro" arrested Nahuel Gallo, a soldier with the Argentine national force known as the Gendarmeria. Milei said the "only crime" Gallo committed while in Venezuela was to visit his wife and son.



Later on Tuesday, Venezuela's top diplomat shrugged off Milei's comments and instead accused him and his security minister of taking part in a "terrorist plan."



Milei's government, including Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, has previously called for the release of Gallo, who was arrested on Dec. 8 after entering Venezuela's western state of Tachira from neighboring Colombia.