US Operation That Ousted Maduro Killed 47 Venezuelan Soldiers, Government Says

The Venezuelan government says nearly 50 of its soldiers were among dozens of people killed during a US military operation this month that led to the removal of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.

In a statement on Friday, the defence ministry in Caracas revised its earlier figures, saying 47 Venezuelan soldiers — including nine women — died in the attack, up from an initial toll of 23.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the overall death toll now stands at 83. This includes 32 Cuban soldiers, some of whom were reportedly assigned to Maduro’s security detail.

The updated figure represents a downward revision from the 100 fatalities announced by the interior ministry on January 7.

According to officials, more than 112 people were injured in the assault, which began with US bombing raids on military targets and ended with special forces arriving by helicopter to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a compound.

“What have the men and women of our Bolivarian National Armed Forces done in the face of military aggression? They have given their lives, they have honored history and the homeland,” Padrino said on Friday during a ceremony held in tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Following the January 3 attack, interim president Delcy Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro who assumed office after his ouster, declared seven days of national mourning.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier this week that forensic experts were using DNA testing to identify victims, noting that some had been blown to “little pieces” in the US strike.

Authorities have yet to release a detailed breakdown of civilian casualties.

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