US Air Force veteran returns to America after months of 'wrongful detention' in Venezuela

The United States on Tuesday secured successful release of a US Air Force veteran who was "wrongfully detained" in Venezuela.

Joseph "Joe" St. Clair, who was detained in November 2024, is now back in America.

"Joe St. Clair is back in America. I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because (US President) Donald Trump puts Americans first," special presidential envoy Richard Grenell posted on X, adding photos of himself and the freed veteran.


In a statement, St. Clair's parents said the news of his release "came suddenly."

"This news came suddenly and we are still processing it. But we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude," the statement quoted his parents, Scott and Patti, as saying.

The St. Claires also expressed gratitude to both President Trump and Grenell.

Further, they thanked advocacy organizations for providing assistance in the case.

However, the statement did not mention the conditions under which their son had been detained.

St. Claire's release comes nearly four months after Venezuela freed six Americans detained in the South American nation. This was presented as a diplomatic breakthrough of sorts as the US views the Venezuelan government as "hostile."

At the time, Grenell, who serves in a broad role as envoy for special missions, flew to Venezuela's capital Caracas and met with its President Nicolas Maduro, who had called for a "new beginning" in ties with Washington.

The US accuses Maduro of "stealing" Venezuela's 2024 presidential election.

(With AFP inputs)