‘Large number’ of Maduro’s security team killed
Nicolas Maduro is escorted by DEA agents after being captured in Caracas on Saturday morning
Last updated
04 January 2026
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A large number of Nicolas Maduro’s security team were killed in the US military operation that led to his capture, the Venezuelan defence minister said.
Surrounded by military officers, Vladimir Padrino Lopez told media: “A large part of his security team, including soldiers and innocent citizens, were murdered in cold blood.”
The casualties among Mr Maduro’s security detail follow reports that the strikes killed 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, according to The New York Times.
No American troops were killed during the raid, but around half a dozen people are thought to have been injured, an unnamed US official told the newspaper.
Donald Trump, the US president, warned the regime that more attacks could be necessary if they did not follow orders.
Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, added on Sunday: “I do know this: that if they don’t make the right decision, that the United States will retain multiple levers of leverage.”
Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice-president, was sworn in as interim president by Venezuela’s supreme court after receiving backing from the Trump administration.