32 Cuban, 23 Venezuelan Soldiers Killed During US Surprise Raid On Maduro’s Home

A total of 55 Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel were killed during the surprise US raid on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s home in Caracas on January 3, according to reports from both Latin American countries.

The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, with US special forces bombing the capital and seizing Maduro from his residence.

Cuban authorities confirmed that 32 of their soldiers died during the operation. Among the dead were three senior officers from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan military reported 23 of its own soldiers killed, including five admirals.

Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez called the attack as a “cold-blooded" action, stating that the president’s personal guard was largely wiped out. Maduro, who has relied on Cuban soldiers for his protection during his 12 years in power, was captured and later flown out of the country by US forces.

The US has charged Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, with federal narco-terrorism crimes. Both appeared in a New York court on Monday, where they pleaded not guilty.

In the aftermath, Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez has taken charge of the country. While facing pressure from Washington to provide access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, Rodriguez is also working to maintain support among Maduro’s loyalists, including powerful military figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

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