A senior Venezuelan official reported that an U.S. military operation aimed at abducting President Nicolás Maduro resulted in the deaths of about 80 people, including both soldiers and civilians. The incident has dramatically escalated tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed that U.S. forces killed a large number of President Maduro’s security personnel, though he did not give an exact figure. Venezuelan officials also accused the United States of targeting civilian areas, but no official death toll for civilians has been released.
Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens, including military personnel, were killed in the attack. In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel declared January 5 and 6 official days of mourning. He praised the deceased, saying they “fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism” and died while fiercely resisting the attackers or as a result of the bombings. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto echoed this sentiment, describing the U.S. raid as a “criminal and infamous” attack.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that no American troops were killed, but suggested that some service members may have been injured. Unnamed U.S. officials reported that about half a dozen soldiers were wounded during the operation. The United States stated that the airstrikes were intended to provide cover for seizing President Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Venezuela’s leadership has consistently denied any involvement in the drug trade, arguing that the charges are a pretext for regime change.
The incident carries significant implications for regional and international relations, underscoring the ongoing hostility between Venezuela and the United States. As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching closely, awaiting further developments and potential responses from the affected nations.
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