Full Breakdown
U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: The Human Cost of Seizing Nicolás Maduro
1/20/2026, 4:17:51 AM
Overview of the Operation
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched "Operation Absolute Resolve" in Caracas, aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation resulted in significant casualties, with Venezuela's Defense Ministry reporting at least 83 deaths, including 47 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security personnel. The assault began with airstrikes that illuminated the night sky, leading to chaos and destruction.
Personal Accounts of Loss
Saul Pereira Martinez, an 18-year-old Venezuelan soldier, was among those killed during the operation. In his final moments, he spoke to his mother, Natividad Martinez, saying, “I love you. It has begun.” He urged her to care for his younger brothers before the call ended. Natividad later expressed her grief, stating, “You can’t come to my country and kill people like that. Because [they said] ‘it was a clean operation.’ It wasn’t clean.” She emphasized the human cost of the military intervention, highlighting the loss of life among Venezuelans.
Saul had recently completed his training with the Honor Guard and was dedicated to his military service. His stepfather noted that Saul's death was a "collateral effect" of the U.S. operation, which targeted the area around Maduro's residence. The family, devastated by the loss, visited Saul's grave, where they honored his memory and expressed pride in his service.
Official Statements and Responses
The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, initially claimed the operation was successful without casualties. However, the Venezuelan government provided a starkly different account, detailing the extensive loss of life. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez stated, “What have the men and women of our Bolivarian National Armed Forces done in the face of military aggression? They have given their lives.”
In Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them as "barbarism" and asserting that Cuba would not surrender to U.S. threats. He emphasized the solidarity between Cuba and Venezuela, particularly in light of the casualties suffered during the operation.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the U.S. intervention have pointed to the disproportionate use of force and the resulting humanitarian crisis. A Cuban soldier described the attack as "disproportionate," involving extensive aerial bombardment that aimed to eliminate all personnel in the vicinity. This sentiment was echoed by Natividad Martinez, who lamented the loss of life on both sides, stating, “Those who died are also human beings. They are all Venezuelans.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the total number of casualties. While the Venezuelan government reported 83 deaths, other sources indicated that the number of Venezuelan forces killed could be as high as 100. Additionally, the extent of civilian casualties remains unclear, with ongoing investigations into the aftermath of the operation.
What's Next
Following the operation, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken to New York City to face narco-terrorism charges, where they pleaded not guilty. The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with ongoing discussions about the future governance of the country and the potential for further U.S. military involvement. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, particularly in light of the humanitarian implications of the U.S. intervention.
