Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Wednesday night that 100 people were killed in the U.S.-led operation that ousted President Nicolás Maduro from power on Saturday. This marks the first time Caracas has released an official death toll linked to the attack.
Previously, the Venezuelan army had only disclosed the names of 23 soldiers confirmed dead, but authorities now claim the number is significantly higher. According to Cabello, a large portion of Maduro’s security detail was “killed in cold blood.”
In addition, Cuban officials stated that members of its military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela also died during the raid.
Furthermore, Cabello reported that Maduro sustained an injury to his leg during the operation, while his wife, Cilia Flores, suffered a serious head injury after being detained alongside him.
On Tuesday, Maduro whom Cabello praised as “courageous” during his weekly broadcast on state television declared a week of national mourning to honor the military members killed in the attack.
The U.S. operation in Venezuela, the removal of Nicolás Maduro from office, and the high casualty figures remain critical points of discussion both domestically and internationally as political tensions continue to escalate
Leave a Reply