US officials estimate raid to capture Venezuela’s Maduro left about 75 dead
US officials estimate approximately 75 people were killed during the military raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, according to a report. The casualties reportedly include Venezuelan and Cuban security forces as well as civilians.
US government assessments indicate that an estimated 75 people were killed during the military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, according to a report citing officials familiar with the matter. One official placed the figure between 75 and 80, while another noted a minimum of 67 casualties, including members of Venezuelan and Cuban security forces and civilians caught in the crossfire.
Details of the Operation and Legal Proceedings
The raid, authorized by President Donald Trump, was carried out by US special forces on January 3 and involved airstrikes on military targets in the Venezuelan capital. Maduro was taken into US custody based on longstanding federal indictments accusing him of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. On January 5, he appeared in a New York federal court handcuffed and in an orange jumpsuit, pleading not guilty to the charges.
Context and Escalating Toll
Earlier reporting had indicated the death toll had risen to 80, with warnings it could increase further. The operation represents one of the most direct and consequential US military interventions in Latin America in decades, dramatically altering the political landscape and raising profound questions about sovereignty, international law, and the human cost of such actions.
Advertisement
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.