Maduro captured, 100 dead, over hundred injured: Venezuela reveals grim toll of US raid

Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on Wednesday (Jan 7) revealed that about 100 people were killed in the US military operation that ended with the capture of president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas. This revelation marks the first official casualty figure from Venezuelan authorities since the US raid.

100 killed, dozens injured

Speaking on state television, Cabello described the strike as a "terrible" attack on the country, and said "So far -- and I mean so far -- there are 100 dead and a similar number of wounded".

"The attack on our country was terrible," he said, adding that Maduro and first lady Flores were also injured in the US operation. However, he said that they were now "recovering". Maduro and Flores were flown to New York and arraigned in federal court, where they have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and related charges. Both were seen walking on their own power during a New York court arraignment this week.

23 members of the military were killed

Earlier reports from Venezuelan officials had not put a precise overall death count on the raid. Before Cabello's remarks, Venezuela's armed forces released the names of 23 members of its security forces who were killed. On X, the Venezuelan military posted a tribute for the fallen soldiers, and said, “Duel, Honour and Glory. Three words for those who are no longer here. For the patriots who wrote in blood on January 3rd a tragic page of our history. We remember them not because of the cause, but because of their sacrifice.”

The Cuban government also reported that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel were killed during the operation.

Venezuela buries victims of US attack

On Wednesday, the Venezuelan military released videos documenting the funerals of soldiers who lost their lives during the United States attack. The footage showed dozens of mourning relatives and coffins adorned with Venezuelan flags. Bouquets and wreaths, along with photographs of the dead, adorned the caskets, escorted by uniformed troops in formation. Previously, on Tuesday, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez had declared seven days of mourning for the victims.