The Venezuelan government has started releasing individuals identified as political prisoners by human rights organisations, the Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed. Among those freed are five Spanish citizens, including one dual national and human rights activist Rocio San Miguel.

The move follows a surprise U.S. operation in Caracas on Saturday, which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Maduro was extradited to the United States and faces charges in New York related to drug and arms trafficking.

The U.S. government has repeatedly urged Venezuela to release political prisoners held across the country’s detention facilities.

Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, announced on state television that a “large number” of prisoners would be freed, though he did not provide specific figures or names. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuelan prisons, with only a small number released so far.