Venezuela’s Interior Minister says 100 killed in US attack

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said late Wednesday (January 7) that 100 people were killed in a US military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power on Saturday, marking the first official casualty figure released by Caracas.

The Venezuelan government had not previously provided a death toll, though the army earlier published a list of 23 military personnel killed. Officials claim a large portion of Maduro’s security detail was killed “in cold blood,” and Cuba has reported that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela were also killed.

Cabello said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores — who were detained during the US raid — suffered injuries, with Flores sustaining a head wound and Maduro a leg injury, reports Reuters.

On Tuesday, interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a week of mourning for military members killed in the operation. Venezuelan authorities have praised the country’s forces and condemned the US action.

The report reflects escalating tensions following a controversial US intervention in Venezuelan affairs, prompting international scrutiny and concern.