Cuba states 32 of its citizens perished in Washington’s military operation aimed at abducting President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas
The death toll from the US raid intended to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro has climbed to at least 80, encompassing both military personnel and civilians, according to a report by the New York Times on Sunday, which cited a high-ranking Venezuelan official.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed that US forces had killed a “significant portion” of Maduro’s security detail during the operation, though he did not provide a specific number. Venezuelan authorities also alleged that the US struck civilian areas but have not yet released an official casualty count.
Concurrently, Cuban officials have reported that 32 of their citizens, including members of the military, died in the attack. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has declared January 5th and 6th as days of national mourning.
“Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombings,” he stated.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto honored the deceased Cubans who “sacrificed their lives” while performing duties as part of cooperation and defense missions, characterizing the US raid as a “criminal and infamous” act.
US President Donald Trump indicated that no American troops were killed, while suggesting that some service members might have sustained injuries. Two unnamed US officials informed the New York Times that approximately half a dozen soldiers were wounded during the operation to apprehend Maduro and his wife.
Media reports have suggested that the US bombardment targeted several key military installations, communication networks, and storage facilities. However, American officials have stated that the airstrikes were intended to facilitate the capture of Maduro, with the aim of bringing him to the United States to face trial on charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Venezuela’s leadership has consistently denied any links to the drug trade, asserting that the accusations from the US serve merely as a pretext for regime change.