Venezuela says death toll rises to 100 after U.S. operation to capture Maduro

Venezuela’s interior minister said at least 100 people were killed in the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, alleging that civilians were among those killed.

“Venezuela was the victim of a barbaric and brutal attack, in which at least 100 people have been killed so far and a similar number injured,” Cabello said Wednesday night on state television.

“People who had nothing to do with the conflict were killed,” Cabello claimed. “Civilians, women who were at their homes, people who were inside their houses, all struck by the impact of extremely powerful bombs launched against our country.”

Cabello did not provide a breakdown of civilian and security force casualties. The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the operation, had earlier reported that between 68 and 80 people were killed, including civilians. U.S. officials have not confirmed Cabello’s updated figure.

The comments follow the U.S. military raid carried out Saturday to capture Maduro, known as Operation Absolute Resolve.

U.S. officials previously said at least seven U.S. service members were injured during the operation, with five returning to duty and two still recovering, according to NBC News citing Pentagon officials.

Earlier reports from Venezuelan media, citing the Venezuelan armed forces, said at least 23 Venezuelan service members were killed during the raid. Cuban authorities separately confirmed that 32 Cuban personnel protecting Maduro also died.