At least 55 Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel were killed during the United States’ military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the early hours of January 3, 2026, according to statistics released by the governments of Cuba and Venezuela.
The raid, code-named Operation Absolute Resolve, involved extensive air and ground action in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and marked a dramatic escalation of U.S. intervention in the crisis-hit South American country. U.S. forces succeeded in capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transporting them to the United States to face federal charges, including alleged narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Cuba’s government publicly confirmed that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel died during the operation. These were members of Cuba’s security services who had been stationed in Venezuela as part of longstanding cooperation between Havana and Caracas. Cuba described the deaths as occurring in combat while fulfilling their duties to protect Maduro’s government.
Venezuela’s military also released the names of 23 Venezuelan service members killed in the raid, including senior officers. Together, the total official count stands at 55 military deaths from both countries, though some independent sources and senior Venezuelan officials have suggested the overall toll — including civilians and others caught in the strikes could be as high as 70 to 80 people.
In response to the deaths, Venezuela declared seven days of national mourning. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said the fallen had sacrificed their lives defending the country and described them as “new martyrs.”
For years, Venezuela’s government under both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro relied on Cuban military, intelligence, and security advisers to bolster key institutions. The presence and backing of Cubans in Venezuela escalated as a result of Maduro facing domestic opposition as well as external pressure, with members of his staff in Cuba becoming instrumental in his presidential security and intelligence operations.
Cuba’s role in the security sphere in Venezuela is a component of the overall relationship that ranges from cooperation in the areas of healthcare, education, among many others. However, the Cuban troops serving within Maduro’s protective forces were faced with criticisms due to the underlying overdependence on foreign assistance.
The U.S. raid was broader than just a targeted capture. Reports from international and independent media describe airstrikes on key military bases, urban infrastructure, and communication networks across the capital as U.S. Defense forces worked to neutralize air defenses and insert special operations troops deep into Caracas.
Although U.S. military officials confirmed that no American soldiers were killed, some were injured during the intense fighting. This larger operation has raised several questions about sovereignty, international law, and the use of unilateral force among world leaders and experts.
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On a domestic front, legislators in the United States introduced a War Powers Resolution to ensure any future engagements are subject to Congressional approval in response to the growing involvement.
The raid one of the most dramatic foreign interventions in the region in decades has sparked strong reactions from governments and international organisations. Although the move by the U.S. is seen to target criminal leadership and shape the country towards democratic values, the action has instead undermined the sovereignty of the nation and its precedent within international affairs.
While Venezuela struggles to cope with its dead and works to transition through its politics, the full human toll of the attack, including civilian damages, is still being determined. The loss of Cuban and Venezuelan lives underlines the far-reaching consequences of foreign military intervention and the strong ties established between Havana and Caracas through the years.
