MEXICO CITY — A significant development occurred Thursday when Fernando Martínez, one of six Venezuelan opposition leaders, exited the Argentine diplomatic compound in Caracas where he had taken refuge for the past nine months.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that Martínez has returned home, although details surrounding his departure remain unclear. These sources requested anonymity due to concerns over possible repercussions.

Since late November, the group residing within the compound has complained about the ongoing presence of Venezuelan intelligence agents and police surrounding the residence. They have also accused Nicolás Maduro’s government of deliberately cutting off essential services such as electricity and water.

The Maduro administration has rejected these claims. Among those still staying at the Argentine ambassador’s residence are the campaign manager and communications director for leading opposition figure María Corina Machado. They gained refuge in March after warrants for their arrest were issued by authorities aligned with the ruling party, alleging their involvement in promoting violence aimed at undermining the government.

Martínez played a role in a parallel government set up by the opposition following what many considered a fraudulent re-election of Maduro in 2018. Additionally, he has a history of involvement in negotiations aimed at resolving the political impasse in Venezuela and previously served as the country’s minister of communications and transportation during the 1990s.