Venezuela Claims 100 Killed in US Attack That Captured Maduro

Venezuelan Minister Reports High Casualty Figures in US Military Operation

Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has claimed that at least 100 people were killed during the US military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In his weekly television program on Venezuelan state television, Cabello stated that approximately 100 others were wounded in the attack that took place on January 3, 2026.

Conflicting Casualty Reports Emerge

The minister's announcement marks the first time Caracas has provided specific death toll figures, though these numbers cannot be independently verified. Previously, Venezuelan authorities had reported 24 soldiers killed, while Cuba confirmed 32 members of its security forces stationed in Venezuela had died, some of whom were tasked with protecting the president.

Cabello did not provide specific numbers of civilian casualties, though he acknowledged that civilians were among the dead, including women who were sleeping in their homes at the time of the attack. Local media had earlier reported two Venezuelan civilians killed, including a woman who went outside to photograph the attacks and was possibly hit by debris.

Maduro and Wife Reportedly Injured

In his televised address, Cabello revealed that President Maduro sustained a leg injury during his capture, while his wife, Cilia Flores, suffered a head injury. 'The president and first lady were both injured during this illegal aggression against our sovereignty,' Cabello stated during his broadcast.

US Government Response and Media Reports

The US government has not officially released any casualty figures from the operation. However, American media outlets including The Washington Post have reported, based on anonymous government sources, that US officials estimate between 67 and 80 deaths resulted from the operation.

According to US News reports, the Pentagon confirmed that seven US service members were injured during the Caracas raid, with five returning to duty and two still recovering.

Venezuelan Investigation Launched

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, a close ally of Maduro, announced on Tuesday that he has appointed three prosecutors to investigate what he called the 'war crime' committed during the US attacks. 'This unprecedented aggression against the Venezuelan homeland requires thorough investigation,' Saab declared during an event marking the start of a new parliamentary term.

The investigation will examine both civilian and military casualties from the operation. As reported by EFE News, the probe focuses on what Venezuela characterizes as an 'unusual aggression' against its sovereignty.

International Reactions and Context

The US operation has sparked intense international debate. According to Wikipedia documentation of international reactions, many countries have condemned the action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, including China, Iran, South Africa, and several African nations. China expressed 'deep shock and strong condemnation,' calling it a serious violation of international law.

However, Israel strongly supported the operation, commending President Trump's leadership and welcoming the removal of what they called Maduro's 'illegal tyranny.' Regional responses were sharply divided, with Colombia rejecting the aggression and deploying forces to the border, while Cuba condemned it as 'state terrorism.'

Background on Key Figures

Diosdado Cabello, who made the casualty announcement, is a powerful figure in Venezuelan politics. According to Wikipedia, he served as President of the National Assembly from 2012 to 2016 and has been described as the second most powerful man in Venezuela. He played a key role in Hugo Chávez's return to power following the 2002 coup attempt and remains a leading member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

The conflicting casualty reports and ongoing investigation highlight the complex aftermath of what appears to be one of the most significant military interventions in Latin America in recent decades. As Venezuela declares seven days of mourning for its fallen military members, the international community continues to grapple with the implications of this unprecedented action.