Story perspectives

U.S. Military Raid in Venezuela Targets Maduro; Casualties Rise

1/18/2026

Center

US Raids Venezuela

The United States conducted a military raid in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, to capture former president Nicolás Maduro, who faces drug charges.
A Department of Justice memo released after the raid revealed the operation was planned for a time when many Venezuelan soldiers would be on leave.
The memo noted that U.S. forces anticipated significant resistance from Venezuela's air defenses, which included numerous anti-aircraft systems.
During the raid, seven American personnel were injured.
Over 100 Venezuelan and Cuban personnel were killed, including 32 Cuban soldiers, prompting national mourning in Cuba.

Right

Cruz Commends Troops

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) shared insights about the January 3 raid in Venezuela, describing resilience among personnel.
He visited three injured troops in a San Antonio hospital, where they wished to keep bullets and shrapnel.
Cruz praised the soldiers' heroism and said they played a crucial role in an operation affecting the Western Hemisphere.
The troops remained high-spirited, with one joking about returning to duty soon after recovery.

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US Raids Venezuela

The United States conducted a military raid in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, to capture former president Nicolás Maduro, who faces drug charges.
A Department of Justice memo released after the raid revealed the operation was planned for a time when many Venezuelan soldiers would be on leave.
The memo noted that U.S. forces anticipated significant resistance from Venezuela's air defenses, which included numerous anti-aircraft systems.
During the raid, seven American personnel were injured.
Over 100 Venezuelan and Cuban personnel were killed, including 32 Cuban soldiers, prompting national mourning in Cuba.

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