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Venezuelan officials claim 100 casualties in US operation to capture Maduro, as Cuba confirms 32 deaths
A Venezuelan government official claims that 100 people lost their lives during the recent US military operation that successfully captured President Nicolás Maduro. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the figure late Wednesday, according to Reuters, while Venezuela’s army released a list naming 23 military personnel among the dead.
The claims come as Cuba’s Communist Party confirmed Tuesday that 32 members of its armed forces were killed during the weekend operation. The Cuban government released the names, ranks, and ages of those killed, stating they were part of a mission carried out at Venezuela’s request.
“Victims of a new criminal act of aggression and state terrorism perpetrated against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the United States, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat actions and after fierce resistance,” read a statement published by Granma, the official newspaper of Cuba’s Communist Party.
The US government has yet to officially confirm these casualty figures. However, an administration official told Fox News Digital that seven American service members were injured during the operation, with five already returning to duty and two still recovering.
“They are receiving excellent medical care and are well on their way to recovery,” the official said. “The fact that this extremely complex and grueling mission was successfully executed with so few injuries is a testament to the expertise of our joint warriors.”
The military operation, code-named “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was executed on Saturday when US special forces landed in Caracas to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Army’s elite Delta Force led the mission, which resulted in the Venezuelan leader’s successful capture.
According to Cabello, Maduro suffered a leg injury during the operation, while his wife sustained a head injury. Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a week of mourning for the military members who died during the raid.
The capture of Maduro represents a significant development in US-Venezuelan relations, which have been strained since Maduro first took power in 2013. Under his leadership, Venezuela has experienced severe economic decline, political repression, and a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee the country.
The US government, along with dozens of other nations, had previously recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president following disputed elections in 2018. However, Maduro maintained control of the country’s military and government institutions.
The operation marks one of the most dramatic US military interventions in Latin America in recent decades. It comes after years of escalating sanctions and diplomatic pressure from Washington aimed at forcing Maduro from power.
Following his capture, Maduro was transported to the USS Iwo Jima before being flown to the United States, where he was seen being escorted by federal agents to a Manhattan federal courthouse on January 5.
The fallout from the operation continues to reverberate throughout the region, with Venezuela’s allies, particularly Cuba, condemning the US action. Meanwhile, Venezuelan oil shipments to US ports have reportedly increased since Maduro’s capture, indicating potential shifts in economic relations.
As Venezuela enters a week of mourning, questions remain about the country’s political future and how the interim government will navigate the transition period. The high death toll claimed by Venezuelan officials also raises concerns about the humanitarian impact of the military operation and its long-term consequences for regional stability.
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7 Comments
The reports of significant casualties on both sides are deeply concerning. Regardless of the geopolitical motivations, the loss of human life is always tragic. I hope cooler heads can prevail and a peaceful resolution can be found.
This is a concerning development if true. Casualties on both sides are tragic. More transparency is needed from all parties involved to fully understand the situation and ensure accountability.
The claims of 100 killed in this operation are alarming. I hope an impartial investigation can shed light on the facts and determine if international laws were violated. Innocent lives should never be lost in these types of conflicts.
With the conflicting reports, it’s difficult to know the full extent of the casualties. Verifying the details will be crucial to understanding what transpired and holding the responsible parties accountable, if necessary.
The reports of significant casualties are deeply concerning. Verifying the facts and understanding the full context will be crucial in determining the appropriate response. Transparent and impartial investigation is needed.
This incident highlights the complexities and risks involved in such military operations. I hope all sides can come together to find a diplomatic solution that respects international law and avoids further escalation.
This appears to be a complex and rapidly evolving situation. I’m curious to learn more about the operational details and rationale behind the US actions, as well as Venezuela’s response. Transparency from all sides would help provide a clearer picture.