Scores Killed in Fierce Gun Battles During U.S. Capture of Maduro

January 7, 2026

About 75 people were killed during a U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, according to a U.S. government assessment, after fierce gun battles broke out around the presidential compound in Caracas.

The operation, reported by The Washington Post, involved a pre-dawn assault by elite U.S. forces and led to dozens of fatalities during a prolonged firefight at Maduro’s residence. U.S. officials said the death toll includes Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel as well as civilians caught in the crossfire, though the precise breakdown remains under review.

Venezuelan authorities confirmed that at least 24 members of the country’s security forces were killed during the raid, while Cuba said 32 Cuban military and police personnel deployed in Venezuela also died in the operation. Both governments accused Washington of violating international law and carrying out an act of aggression.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

READ ALSO : Is President Maduro a Prisoner of War? 

Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In as Venezuela’s Interim President After Maduro’s Capture

According to U.S. and Western media reports, the operation involved elements of U.S. Special Operations forces, including helicopter-borne troops, after earlier strikes were used to neutralise Venezuelan air defences. American officials said no U.S. service members were killed, although several sustained injuries during the mission.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during the raid and transported to the United States, where he is expected to face longstanding federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. U.S. officials described the mission as successful but acknowledged it was “highly violent.”

In Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as interim president following Maduro’s removal, declared a week of national mourning for fallen security personnel. Protests and heightened security were reported in parts of the capital as tensions remained high.

International reaction has been swift, with several countries and regional blocs condemning the raid, while others called for restraint and an independent investigation into civilian casualties. The incident marks one of the most dramatic U.S. military actions in Latin America in decades and has deepened uncertainty over Venezuela’s political future

+ posts

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Nigerian Mobile Users May Pay More Under New NCC Roadmap

Next Story

Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Set for Competitive ADC 2027 Presidential Primaries

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Investigation Reveals 23 Damaged Components on Arik Air Flight

Nigeria’s air accident investigators said a passenger aircraft operated by Arik Air suffered damage to at least 23 components after an abnormal engine incident during a flight in February. In a preliminary report released on Friday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said
Why CBN Retained Bencmark Interest Rate At 27.5%

CBN Directs Banks to Deny Debtors New Loans

Central Bank of Nigeria has directed commercial banks to deny additional credit and certain banking services to large borrowers with non-performing loans, in a move aimed at strengthening credit discipline and reducing financial risks in the banking system. In a letter dated March 12,
Dangote Refinery Cuts Diesel Price To ₦960 Per Litre

Dangote Explains Petrol Price Increase to 1,175 Naira Per Litre

Dangote Petrochemical Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of petrol to 1,175 naira per litre, reversing a 100-naira reduction announced earlier in the week, as a surge in global crude prices raises refining costs, a refinery official said on Friday. The refinery
Previous Story

Nigerian Mobile Users May Pay More Under New NCC Roadmap

Next Story

Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Set for Competitive ADC 2027 Presidential Primaries

Don't Miss

Nigerian Govt  Publishes New Tax Laws In Gazette

Nigerian Govt Dragged to Court Over January 1 Rollout of New Tax Laws

The Nigerian Government has been dragged before the Federal Capital
CBN Places Service Restriction On PoS Agents Across Nigeria

CBN’s Emefiele Reveals Punishment For Politicians Funding 2023 Election With Dollars

Politicians planning to buy dollar to fund the coming 2023