Amanze Chinonye
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.
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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
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.
