Venezuela Says 100 People Died in U.S. Military Operation

Post by : Saif Nasser

Venezuela’s government has announced that 100 people died in a recent U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. The declaration came from Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, late on Wednesday, marking the first official count of casualties from the strike.

This announcement comes after a dramatic military raid early Saturday, in which U.S. forces entered the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were reported injured in the operation, with Flores suffering a head injury and Maduro a leg injury.

The Venezuelan army had previously shared the names of 23 soldiers killed, but it had not given a full death toll until this new statement from the interior minister. Venezuelan officials said many of those killed were part of Maduro’s security team, and they accused U.S. forces of killing them “in cold blood.” They also said that Cuban military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela were among the dead.

In response to the deaths, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a week of mourning to honor those killed during the raid. She praised the military members who died defending the country.

The U.S. has not provided its own detailed casualty figures for the raid, but reports from other sources suggest varying estimates. Some officials and global news reports have suggested the total number of deaths could be lower, with estimates of around 75 casualties including security personnel and civilians. However, Venezuela’s government maintains its figure of 100 dead.

The raid and its aftermath have triggered strong reactions around the world. Venezuelan authorities sharply condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law. Other nations and international leaders have also weighed in, expressing concern about the use of military force and the impact on regional stability.

The situation continues to evolve. Venezuela remains deeply divided following the U.S. operation, and the death toll and political consequences will likely shape the country’s future for months to come. Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have increased sharply, with debates over foreign policy, security, and international norms now at the center of global attention.