Venezuela Reports Over 100 Deaths Following U.S. Military Operation and Maduro Capture
Caracas – Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported over 100 fatalities following a U.S. Military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The claims, made late Wednesday, allege significant civilian casualties stemming from the operation.
Reported Casualties and Conflicting Accounts
“So far, and I say so far, there are 100 dead, 100,” Cabello stated. He further claimed that civilians, including women in their homes, were killed due to “the impact of the powerful bombs launched against our country.”
The Cuban government acknowledged casualties on Sunday, announcing that 32 of its citizens were killed “in combat actions” while performing missions on behalf of the Cuban Armed Forces and interior ministry [Source: Archyde]. It remains unclear whether these deaths are included in Cabello’s reported total of 100.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that no U.S. Service members were killed, though some sustained injuries when a helicopter was hit during the operation [Source: Archyde]. The Pentagon reported seven U.S. Troops were injured during the operation.
Diosdado Cabello’s Role
Diosdado Cabello, appointed Minister of Interior and Vice President for Citizen Security by Maduro in August 2024, has become a central figure following Maduro’s capture [Source: Archyde]. He appeared in Caracas wearing a helmet and flak jacket, condemning the action as a “cowardly attack” and calling for the defense of Venezuelan sovereignty. He also warned opponents of consequences for doubting the “Bolivarian revolution.”
Background on Diosdado Cabello
Diosdado Cabello Rondón (born April 15, 1963) is a Venezuelan politician and former military officer [Source: Wikipedia]. He has served as Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace since 2024 [Source: Wikipedia]. Cabello has held numerous positions within the Venezuelan government, including Acting President of Venezuela in April 2002, and President of the National Assembly from 2012 to 2016 [Source: Wikipedia]. He is also the Secretary-General of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela [Source: Wikipedia].
Cuban Involvement
The involvement of Cuban citizens in the conflict has been acknowledged by both the Venezuelan and Cuban governments. The Cuban government stated its citizens were performing missions on behalf of the Cuban Armed Forces and interior ministry [Source: Archyde]. Agreements between Cabello and Raúl Castro, seeking to preserve the structure of the Cuban Armed Forces, have been noted [Source: revolucion.org.es].
Colectivos and Paramilitary Activity
Cabello’s armed colectivos reportedly act as paramilitary enforcers, dominating poor neighborhoods, distributing state goods, and suppressing dissent [Source: FDD.org]. This model is said to draw heavily from Cuba’s Committees for the Defense of the Revolution [Source: FDD.org].