The US military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro has left at least 24 Venezuelan and 32 Cuban security officers dead, officials say. The raid, carried out on January 3, involved US forces striking targets in Caracas and ultimately seizing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab called the deaths a “war crime” and said prosecutors are investigating all casualties, including civilians caught in the strikes. He described Maduro’s removal as an “international abduction” violating international law.
Cuba confirmed that 32 of its military and police personnel stationed in Venezuela died, either in combat or during explosions caused by the operation. The Cuban government announced two days of national mourning for the fallen officers.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in after Maduro’s removal, declared a seven‑day period of national mourning. She reaffirmed Venezuela’s sovereignty and rejected US claims that the operation promoted democracy.
The operation has drawn widespread international criticism. Many countries and organisations condemned it as a breach of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, while the US government defended the mission as holding Maduro accountable.
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