Death Toll from U.S. Strike on Venezuela Hits Eighty

(MENAFN) Fatalities from the American military operation to seize President Nicolas Maduro have climbed to at least 80—encompassing both military personnel and non-combatants—The New York Times reported Sunday, according to a senior Venezuelan government source.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez acknowledged that U.S. forces eliminated a "large part" of Maduro's protective security unit during the incursion, though he declined to provide precise numbers. Venezuelan authorities have also alleged American strikes impacted civilian zones, yet no official casualty count has been publicly released by Caracas.

Cuban officials report 32 of their nationals—including armed forces members—perished in the assault. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel designated January 5th and 6th as national mourning periods.

"Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombings," he said.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto honored the fallen Cuban citizens who "offered their lives" while executing responsibilities under bilateral cooperation and defense agreements, simultaneously characterizing the U.S. raid as a "criminal and infamous" attack.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed zero American military deaths while indicating certain service members may have sustained injuries. Two unidentified U.S. officials informed The New York Times that approximately half a dozen soldiers were wounded throughout the mission to apprehend Maduro and his spouse.

Media accounts suggest American bombardment struck multiple strategic military installations, communications networks, and supply facilities. Nevertheless, American officials maintain the airstrikes functioned solely to facilitate Maduro's extraction so he could face prosecution in America on drug trafficking and weapons violations.

Venezuela's governing administration has consistently rejected allegations linking it to narcotics operations, contending that U.S. accusations merely function as justification for orchestrating regime transformation.

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