US military forces killed 55 Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers during a dramatic weekend raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to official tolls released by Caracas and Havana.Venezuela’s military confirmed that 23 of its personnel were killed during US airstrikes and ground operations targeting key military sites. Cuba reported 32 fatalities, including members of its armed forces and interior ministry deployed in Caracas. The dead reportedly included senior officers, with ages ranging from 26 to 67.
According to Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López, many of the Cuban casualties were part of Maduro’s personal security detail, which was largely wiped out during the operation.
The assault reportedly began with US bombing raids on military targets, followed by special forces helicopter operations that captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a secured compound. Both were flown to New York, where they appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and related charges.Following Maduro’s removal, his former deputy Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. US President Donald Trump said Washington is willing to work with Rodríguez, but only if she grants US companies access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The transition has been tense. Rights groups reported the temporary detention of journalists during Rodríguez’s inauguration, raising concerns about press freedom. Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado strongly criticised Rodríguez, accusing her of human rights abuses and ties to foreign powers.
Under Venezuela’s constitution, new elections must be held within 30 days once Maduro is formally declared absent. Machado expressed confidence that the opposition would win decisively in a free and fair vote.
The developments have drawn international reactions, with Mexico urging the US to ensure Maduro receives a fair trial, while global leaders continue to debate the legality and implications of the US intervention.
