Caracas, January 5, 2026 (Agencies) — At least 80 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro, according to Venezuelan and Cuban officials cited by international media.
A senior Venezuelan official told The New York Times that the death toll had risen following the raid, which targeted sites in and around Caracas. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said U.S. forces killed a “large part” of President Maduro’s security detail, though he did not provide an exact figure.
Venezuelan authorities accused the United States of striking civilian areas during the operation, but have not released an official nationwide casualty count.
Cuba’s government said 32 Cuban citizens, including military personnel stationed in Venezuela, were killed during the raid. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared January 5 and 6 official days of mourning, saying those killed “fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism” and died during combat or as a result of bombings.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto paid tribute to the Cuban nationals, saying they “offered their lives” while carrying out defense and cooperation missions. He described the U.S. action as a “criminal and infamous attack” on Venezuelan sovereignty.
U.S. President Donald Trump said no American troops were killed in the operation, though he acknowledged that some service members may have been wounded. Two unnamed U.S. officials told The New York Times that around six U.S. soldiers were injured.
American officials said the airstrikes were intended to provide cover for an operation to seize Maduro and transport him to the United States, where he is expected to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Venezuela’s government has long denied U.S. accusations linking its leadership to the drug trade, arguing that the charges are used as justification for regime change. The raid has triggered international concern and raised questions about legality, civilian casualties, and regional stability