The death toll from the U.S. airstrikes and the military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reached 80, according to an unofficial report cited by The New York Times on Sunday.
An unnamed high-ranking Venezuelan official stated that, "The death toll from Saturday's attack has risen to 80, including both civilians and security force members." The official also cautioned that this number could increase as verification efforts continue.
The fatalities occurred during the airstrikes and military campaign that ended with Maduro's capture, an event that sent shockwaves through Caracas and other parts of the country, eliciting mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.
Earlier reports from U.S. media had initially estimated the death toll at at least 40, based on preliminary information.
As of now, the South American nation's government has not released an official count of the injured or deceased.
On the same day, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused the United States of "cold-bloodedly" killing members of the presidential security team, soldiers, and innocent civilians.
In a public statement, he described the events as "a brutal military aggression against our sovereignty" and asserted that it was an "unprecedented deployment."
Padrino López emphasized that Maduro had been "kidnapped" and referred to him as the "constitutionally elected president chosen by the people for the 2025/2030 term," demanding his immediate release along with his wife, Cilia Flores, whose arrest he deemed illegal.
The minister also called on the international community to closely monitor the situation in the country.
Despite the severity of the situation, he urged the public to resume their daily activities, including educational pursuits, while the Venezuelan government continues to decry the foreign military intervention and its human toll.
Key Questions Surrounding the U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela
What was the objective of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela?
The operation aimed to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
How many people died as a result of the operation?
The unofficial death toll has risen to 80, including both civilians and security forces.
What has been the response of the Venezuelan government?
The Venezuelan government has condemned the action as a brutal military aggression against its sovereignty and has demanded the release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife.