US Military Strike Decimates Maduro’s Security Detail, Venezuelan Minister Claims

A US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend culminated in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, amid heavy casualties that decimated much of his security detail, according to Venezuelan officials and US reports.

Deadly Scale of the Assault
At least 40 people, including civilians, soldiers, and a large portion of Maduro’s personal security team, died in the Saturday raid, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López revealed in a televised speech on Sunday. Padrino accused US personnel of “cold-bloodedly murdering” the victims and hailed Maduro as Venezuela’s “authentic and legitimate leader.” He demanded the “swift” release of the couple, now held in a New York detention facility facing US drug trafficking charges.

A New York Times report, citing anonymous Venezuelan and US sources, detailed over 150 US aircraft neutralizing air defenses, followed by helicopter-borne troops assaulting Maduro’s position near La Guaira port. Images showed missile strike damage at the port, underscoring the operation’s intensity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Trump’s Announcement and Charges
President Donald Trump confirmed the captures early Saturday, stating Maduro and Flores were flown out after “large-scale” strikes. He pledged temporary US oversight until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition,” accusing the pair of overseeing “tons of cocaine” shipments into the US. Federal prosecutors in New York’s Southern District unsealed indictments Saturday, linking them to narco-trafficking and election fraud.

Trump shared photos of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, fueling the dramatic narrative. Critics, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, decried the move as a violation of international law, bypassing Congress and risking regional chaos.

Venezuelan Response and Succession
Venezuela’s Supreme Court swiftly directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume acting presidency. Padrino urged global attention to threats against Venezuelan sovereignty, while opposition figures like Nobel winner María Corina Machado remained silent on the raids but have long challenged Maduro’s rule.

Pope Leo XIV called for an end to violence and respect for sovereignty in a related statement.

Global and Historical Context
The operation escalates decades of friction, rooted in disputed 2018 and 2024 elections the US rejected, imposing sanctions over human rights and oil disputes. Analysts point to Venezuela’s support for Gaza and alliances with Iran as factors, though Trump emphasized drugs and illegitimacy.

No White House or Pentagon confirmation on casualties has emerged, but the raid follows heightened rhetoric post-Trump’s inauguration. Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled amid economic collapse (UN figures), and rights groups warn of further instability.

Latin American neighbors like Brazil and Colombia urge de-escalation, as markets react with oil price volatility.