Official figures from Havana and Caracas have confirmed a significant loss of life during a recent United States military operation. Fifty-five Cuban and Venezuelan soldiers were killed during a US raid in Caracas aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Official Death Toll Confirmed
The two allied nations released their official casualty counts on Tuesday, January 7, 2026. The Cuban government reported that 32 of its military personnel died in the nighttime assault on January 3. Among the Cuban fatalities were three senior officers from the country's interior ministry.
Venezuela's Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, stated on Sunday that Maduro's presidential guard was largely killed "in cold blood" by US troops. The Venezuelan military published an online list honouring 23 personnel who lost their lives. Strikingly, the list included five admirals, indicating the high-ranking nature of the casualties within the nation's armed forces.
Deep Military Alliance and Operation Details
The assault underscored the decades-long, deep military cooperation between Cuba and Venezuela. Reports indicate that Maduro had employed specialised Cuban soldiers as part of his personal protection unit. The deaths highlight the risks faced by personnel assigned to protect the Venezuelan leader and the extent of the bilateral partnership.
The operation, which involved US troops bombarding the capital and seizing Maduro from his home, has been dubbed a success by Washington. It has been referred to as Operation Absolute Resolve.
Geopolitical Repercussions and Future Targets
The world is now bracing for the next moves from US President Donald Trump following the dramatic ousting of Maduro. According to international reports, President Trump has openly threatened five more countries, raising fears of further military action and global instability.
The identified potential targets include:
- Greenland, described by Trump as vital for US national security.
- Several other nations not explicitly named in the initial report but implied in the broader context of his statements.
This event marks a significant escalation in the United States' involvement in Venezuelan politics, which has been marked by tension for years. Venezuela, a South American nation with the world's largest proven oil reserves, has endured severe economic crisis under Maduro's leadership, including hyperinflation and mass migration.
