Venezuela’s government claims that a major portion of President Nicolás Maduro’s security team was killed during a US military operation that led to Maduro’s capture. According to Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, the operation—described as a direct attack on Venezuelan sovereignty—resulted in heavy casualties among security personnel, though he did not specify exact numbers.

Padrino announced support for Delcy Rodríguez as interim president and said the armed forces have been mobilised, emphasising readiness to defend the nation against what he called “imperial aggression.” The raid, reportedly conducted by US commandos, saw Maduro taken to New York to face drug and terrorism charges, details of which remain part of ongoing legal proceedings.

 

Rodríguez and other Venezuelan officials have rejected Maduro’s detention as illegitimate, urging his immediate release and restoration. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting in response to the tense developments.