Death toll from US raid to kidnap Maduro rises to eighty
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed that a “large part” of Maduro’s security detail was killed during the raid, though he did not provide specific numbers. Officials in Caracas also accused US forces of striking civilian areas, but an official tally of civilian casualties has not yet been released.
Cuban authorities reported that 32 Cuban citizens, including military personnel, were killed in the operation. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared January 5 and 6 as official days of mourning. “Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombings,” he said.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto paid tribute to the Cuban casualties, noting they “offered their lives” in the course of defense and cooperation missions, while denouncing the US raid as a “criminal and infamous” attack.
US President Donald Trump stated that no American troops were killed, though he suggested some may have been wounded. Two unnamed US officials told reports that roughly half a dozen US soldiers were injured during the mission to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Media reports indicate that the US airstrikes targeted key military sites, communication infrastructure, and depots. US officials have maintained that the strikes were intended to support the seizure of Maduro for transport to the United States to face trial on charges including drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Venezuelan authorities have consistently denied involvement in the drug trade, arguing that the US charges are a pretext for regime change.
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