Overview
- U.S. intermediaries withdrew support for the private flight that tried to land via Curaçao, forcing the plane to turn back, The Wall Street Journal reported.
- A second attempt from Panama was halted when Copa Airlines refused to let Machado board, citing concerns about potential reprisals by Caracas.
- The State Department called Machado’s attempts 'counterproductive' to relief operations and urged that political moves not complicate rescue and aid delivery.
- Washington has signaled support for acting President Delcy Rodríguez as the best short-term option and has deployed a large humanitarian response including search-and-rescue teams and a DART with a $300 million aid pledge.
- Opposition figures say Machado has a right to return and she has vowed to go back, but U.S. warnings reflect concern that her arrival could politicize relief, threaten access for aid workers, and complicate plans for a future electoral transition.