"Venezuela has become the victim of an attack that, so far, I emphasize, has resulted in 100 deaths. The number of injured is similar," Venezuelan Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello announced on 7/1.
This marks the first time Venezuelan officials have released a total casualty count from the US operation, launched in the early hours of 3/1, targeting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
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Venezuelan soldiers carry a fallen comrade's coffin during a funeral in Caracas on 7/1. Photo: AP |
Venezuelan soldiers carry a fallen comrade's coffin during a funeral in Caracas on 7/1. Photo: AP
Earlier, the Venezuelan army reported 23 soldiers killed in clashes with US forces. An unnamed Venezuelan official had also indicated a total of around 80 fatalities. Additionally, the government of Cuba confirmed that 32 of its citizens, including security personnel, military members, and former military personnel, died during the US operation.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on 6/1 that Venezuela would observe a seven-day national mourning period to honor the victims. She condemned the US operation as an "illegal military action."
Rodriguez affirmed that the Venezuelan government would continue to pursue peace, defend national sovereignty, and strive for the freedom of President Maduro and his wife. She urged the US to "stop harassment," asserting that Venezuela still maintains a constitutional government.
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Locations targeted by US attacks on 3/1. Graphic: CNN |
Locations targeted by US attacks on 3/1. Graphic: CNN
The US launched "Operation Absolute Resolve" in the early hours of 3/1. This operation involved approximately 150 aircraft conducting simultaneous airstrikes on multiple targets across Venezuela, facilitating the movement of special forces via helicopters into the capital, Caracas, to apprehend President Maduro and his wife. The United Nations (UN) and many countries worldwide strongly criticized this US operation.
The Pentagon reported that seven out of 200 US soldiers participating in the operation were injured. Five of these soldiers have since returned to duty, while two are recovering.
By Nguyen Tien (Based on reports from Reuters, CNN, Venezolana de Television)
