A military operation conducted by United States forces in Caracas has resulted in the deaths of fifty-five Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel, according to official statements released by both nations. The incident occurred during a nighttime assault on January 3rd that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his residence.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López characterized the operation as a brutal engagement, stating that Maduro’s presidential guard was largely eliminated ‘in cold blood’ by American troops who initiated bombardment in the capital city. The minister’s comments, delivered on Sunday, described the operation as disproportionate in its use of force.
Cuba subsequently released the identities of thirty-two deceased military members, including three high-ranking officers from the country’s interior ministry. Simultaneously, Venezuela published an online memorial honoring twenty-three fallen personnel, among them five admirals from its naval forces.
The longstanding military cooperation between Cuba and Venezuela, maintained despite consistent pressure from Washington, represents a strategic alliance that has persisted through both the Chavez and Maduro administrations. This partnership extends beyond defense to include collaborative efforts in public health and educational exchanges, forming a cornerstone of leftist governance in the region.
The operation marks a significant escalation in international tensions regarding Venezuela’s political leadership, which has faced sustained opposition from Western governments questioning the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidency since his controversial 2018 re-election.