Venezuela has officially confirmed heavy casualties following a military operation by the United States earlier this month, labelling the attack a potential war crime. The incident, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy.
Casualty Figures and Official Statements
According to Venezuelan authorities, the US military's action on January 3, 2026, led to significant loss of life. The government stated that dozens of its security personnel and civilians were killed. A detailed breakdown provided by Venezuela's military puts the official death toll at at least 56.
This total includes the killing of 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers who were working within the country. The announcement marks a stark admission of the scale of the operation's impact.
Legal Repercussions and 'War Crime' Allegations
In response to the deadly incident, Venezuela's Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has taken a firm legal stance. Saab declared that prosecutors would launch a full investigation into the deaths.
He explicitly described the US military's actions as a "war crime," setting the stage for a prolonged international legal and political confrontation. This accusation elevates the conflict beyond a mere military incursion into the realm of international humanitarian law.
Context and Related Developments
The capture of Nicolás Maduro was the central objective of the US operation. Following his detention, Maduro was reportedly seen in a court hearing, with his wife showing visible signs of injury. He has since been referred to as a 'Prisoner of War' by some sources.
The event has triggered intense reactions globally and within the US political landscape. Reports indicate a sharp divide among political factions, with some Democratic members demanding impeachment proceedings against the US leadership, citing the drastic action in Venezuela.
This operation follows a pattern of heightened tension between the US and Venezuela, which included now-dropped charges against Maduro and escalating rhetoric from both sides in the preceding period.
