Venezuela Claims 100 Killed in U.S. Operation That Captured Maduro as Cuba Reports 32 Dead

January 9, 2026 · By sheploocloud@gmail.com · In U.S. News

CARACAS / WASHINGTON — Venezuela’s government is now claiming 100 people were killed during the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, according to a report citing Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. The figure, first carried by Reuters, would represent the first official overall death toll released by Venezuelan authorities since the weekend raid.

What Venezuela is saying

Cabello announced the 100-death figure late Wednesday, Reuters reported, adding that Venezuela’s army posted a list naming 23 of its own dead.
Cabello also claimed Maduro suffered a leg injury during the capture and that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, sustained a head injury, according to Reuters.

Cuba confirms losses of its own forces

Cuban state media has also confirmed that 32 members of Cuba’s armed forces were killed during the U.S. operation, a major escalation given Havana’s long-standing security ties with Caracas. Multiple outlets reporting on the Cuban announcement said the dead included officers of various ranks and that Cuba released identifying details.

The U.S. response: “No civilian casualties” known

A U.S. official told Fox News Digital the U.S. was not aware of any civilian casualties, saying strikes were “precisely planned” and civilians were not intentionally targeted.

U.S. officials have also said seven U.S. service members were injured during the operation, with most returning to duty.

A week of mourning declared in Venezuela

Venezuela’s interim leadership has declared a week of mourning for fallen military members in the wake of the operation, Reuters reported earlier this week.

International fallout grows after Venezuela and Cuba report deaths linked to the U.S. operation.

International fallout grows after Venezuela and Cuba report deaths linked to the U.S. operation.

What we still don’t know

Despite the new fatality claims, several key facts remain unclear or disputed:

  • How many of the 100 deaths were civilians vs. combatants, and where they occurred.
  • Independent verification of Venezuela’s figures and Cuba’s reported losses.
  • Full operational details from Washington beyond general statements about precision and self-defense.
Optimized by Optimole