Nearly 50 Venezuelan Soldiers Killed in U.S. Military Operation to Capture President Maduro

Nearly 50 members of Venezuela’s armed forces were killed during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela earlier this month that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to statements from Venezuelan government officials.

The raid, which took place on January 3, saw U.S. forces launch a coordinated strike on military targets in Caracas, followed by an airborne insertion to seize the president and his spouse.

Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said that at least 47 Venezuelan soldiers, including nine women, were killed defending the capital during the operation.

State officials described the deaths as a result of overwhelming U.S. military power and advanced weaponry used during the assault. The defence ministry also reported dozens of other injuries among troops and civilians as a result of the intense combat.

In addition to Venezuelan casualties, the government acknowledged that 32 Cuban military personnel embedded with Maduro’s security detail were also killed during the fighting.

Cuba has since repatriated the remains of its officers and held memorial ceremonies, underscoring the close military ties between Havana and Caracas. Venezuelan authorities have declared a period of national mourning and announced plans to build a memorial for those who died in the conflict.

The U.S. operation, which its leaders have characterised as a mission to detain Maduro on charges including narcotics trafficking and terrorism-related offences, has sharply escalated tensions in the region. Maduro and his wife were taken to the United States, where they have made initial court appearances denying the charges.

The raid has sparked international reaction, with some countries condemning the incursion as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and others expressing concern about the legality and humanitarian impact of the military action. Questions remain about the full number of civilian casualties and the long-term implications for regional stability.

As Venezuela grapples with the aftermath, U.S. officials have maintained that forces acted lawfully and with specific objectives tied to counter-narcotics and national security priorities. Authorities in Caracas and Havana have vowed to pursue political and diplomatic responses in the wake of the deaths and broader fallout from the operation.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, CBS News