Venezuela Claims 100 Killed in U.S. Raid That Toppled Maduro

Caracas, January 8, 2026 – Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced late Wednesday that approximately 100 people lost their lives in the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power last Saturday.

The raid, which took place in the capital on January 3, targeted Maduro’s residence and involved U.S. forces apprehending both the president and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to Cabello, who spoke during his regular program on state television, Flores sustained a head injury and Maduro suffered a leg wound during the action. The minister described the Venezuelan military as “courageous” for its resistance and highlighted their efforts in the face of the assault.

Official figures on casualties had been limited until now. The Venezuelan army earlier released a list containing the names of 23 fallen soldiers. Government representatives have repeatedly stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s personal security detail was killed “in cold blood.” Cuban authorities, for their part, reported fatalities among their military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela as a result of the operation.

On Tuesday, the Venezuelan government proclaimed a week of national mourning for the military personnel killed in the raid. The announcement comes amid a rapidly evolving political landscape following Maduro’s detention. Delcy Rodríguez, who has been praised by Cabello for her leadership, was sworn in as interim president in the wake of the events.

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The U.S. action, which involved airstrikes to neutralize air defenses before a ground operation to seize the presidential couple, has sparked widespread international controversy, though no direct comment from Washington appears in the latest Venezuelan statements on the death toll.

The funerals for some of the fallen soldiers took place on January 7 in Caracas, where military personnel were seen carrying caskets in solemn processions. The government continues to frame the incident as an act of aggression against Venezuelan sovereignty, while the country observes mourning and navigates the uncertain transition period.