US raid on Venezuela leaves 100 dead, interior ministry says
This is the first official death toll released by Venezuelan authorities
At least 100 people were killed in the US military operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, authorities in Venezuela said Wednesday (7 January).
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told state television that both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were injured during the raid early Saturday and later taken into US custody.
Cabello condemned the US action as "barbaric and despicable," saying it harmed many innocent people and could not be concealed. He paid tribute to the president, Flores and those killed in the operation.
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This is the first official death toll released by Venezuelan authorities. Earlier, the Venezuelan army had published a list of 23 military personnel killed in the operation, and Cuban officials said 32 members of their military and intelligence services stationed in Venezuela also died.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a week of mourning for the fallen, and videos of funerals for soldiers killed in the operation have been shown on state media.
The United States has described the mission as a lawful operation but has not confirmed casualty figures provided by Caracas.
