Venezuela declares week of mourning as global tensions rise
Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has officially disclosed that at least 100 people were killed in the U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power in Caracas on Saturday. This is the first time Caracas has given a casualty figure for the dramatic raid.
Details of the attack and casualties
The Venezuelan army had previously posted only 23 names of its service members killed in the raids.
Cuban authorities have confirmed 32 of their military and intelligence personnel were killed during the operation in Venezuela.
Cabello said the death toll includes a mix of Venezuelan and allied forces, though he did not break down the exact numbers between civilian or military victims.
Venezuelan officials have condemned the deaths, saying a large part of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood.”
Injuries to Maduro and Cilia Flores
First Lady Cilia Flores, detained alongside Maduro, reportedly suffered a head injury during the raid.
Maduro sustained an injury to his leg during the same operation.
National Response
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a seven‑day national mourning period to honour those killed.
Caracas has called for international condemnation of the U.S. intervention, labelling the raid a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
U.S. Perspective and Aftermath
The U.S. military operation successfully captured Maduro and his wife, transporting them to the United States where they have appeared in federal court in New York to face charges including drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism.
According to U.S. sources, at least seven U.S. service members were injured in the raid, but there are no confirmed U.S. fatalities.
Following the action, President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would temporarily govern Venezuela to manage the transition, including control over the country’s vast oil resources.
Regional and Global Reactions
Cuba has declared days of mourning for its dead and condemned the attack as an act of aggression.
Protests and diplomatic concerns have emerged across Latin America, with leaders questioning the legality and implications of the U.S. action.
Tensions have escalated over broader U.S. strategy in the region, including threats of further military action if neighboring nations do not align with Washington’s policy.
