"The sons and daughters of the nation fell valiantly in staunch resistance to defend the constitutional order, peace, and sovereignty of the country against an attack planned by foreign mercenaries and destabilizing forces," the Venezuelan military wrote in a statement on 6/1.

The statement emphasized that this was not a defeat but a sacrifice, affirming its commitment to "continue efforts to rescue the legitimate president," dismantle groups considered terrorists operating from outside, and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

A Buk-M2E air defense system, believed to be destroyed at La Carlota air base, Caracas, Venezuela, on 3/1. Photo: Reuters

Venezuelan officials have not yet released official figures for total security force and civilian casualties. An anonymous Venezuelan official stated that the US operation resulted in at least 80 deaths.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on 4/1 that most members of Mr. Maduro's security detail were killed.

Cuba announced on 6/1 the identities of 32 citizens killed in Venezuela. These individuals were on duty for the Cuban military and Interior Ministry at Venezuela's request. "They fell while fiercely resisting and directly fighting the attackers or due to airstrikes on protected facilities," the Cuban government reported.

Locations targeted by US attacks on 3/1. Graphics: CNN

President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested during a US raid in Caracas on the morning of 3/1 and subsequently taken to New York. The US operation drew strong criticism from the United Nations and many countries worldwide.

Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores appeared before a federal court in New York on 5/1 to hear their indictment, both denying the charges brought by US prosecutors. The hearing concluded after about 30 minutes, with Mr. Maduro and his wife currently detained in a Brooklyn prison. The presiding judge announced that the next hearing would take place on 17/3.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, CNN, Granma)