CÚCUTA, Colombia, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Media rights group Reporters Without Borders welcomed on Thursday Venezuela's release of political prisoners but urged authorities to also free jailed journalists and admit foreign correspondents waiting to enter the country.

Speaking in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, the group said around 200 foreign reporters have sought access to Venezuela after US forces deposed the country's leader Nicolas Maduro on Saturday.

The government requires journalists to apply for media visas, but many applications have gone unanswered, the group, known by its French acronym RSF, said.

Jorge Rodriguez, the head of parliament and brother of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, on Thursday announced the release of detainees held for political reasons, including several foreigners.

RSF called for the same treatment for "all journalists" and for guarantees allowing the press to work without "restrictions," said Fabiola Leon, the organization's Latin America research officer.

RSF estimates at least six journalists remain imprisoned for their work.

On January 5, Venezuelan security forces briefly detained 14 reporters -- most from foreign outlets -- during Delcy Rodriguez's swearing?in ceremony in Caracas, according to Venezuela's National Press Workers' Union.

Since then, four other journalists -- two Spanish, one Mexican and one Colombian -- were detained at the border and freed hours later.

Colombian journalist Jeff Sierra told AFP he spent 14 hours in custody, undergoing "psychological" pressure and threats of prosecution while authorities searched phones and deleted reporting materials.

"At a crucial moment for understanding events in Venezuela and the consequences of US intervention, RSF urges authorities to allow foreign journalists to enter and to stop restricting local media," RSF said in a statement.