The U.S. military operation in Venezuela has reportedly resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians, according to The New York Times. The report was informed by on-the-ground reporters and satellite data, strengthening the credibility of the information presented.
The strikes, conducted overnight from Friday to Saturday, were part of a direct U.S. intervention to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington has called a “dictator.” This intervention was reportedly ordered by the U.S. President under an executive order, citing the need to address national security threats. However, the legality of the strikes under international law remains a subject of debate, with questions about whether U.S. actions align with United Nations mandates for military operations.
Journalist Mariana Martinez, cited by The New York Times, reported that the victims include both military personnel and civilians. This information is based on preliminary reports from a senior Venezuelan official who spoke anonymously.
As of Saturday evening, no other major international media outlet had confirmed this reported death toll.
A High-Risk Military Operation
The intervention resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transferred to the United States.
U.S. authorities state that the Venezuelan leader has been indicted by a federal court in New York on charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy, weapons offenses, and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
The indictment alleges that Maduro and three co-defendants participated in trafficking thousands of tons of cocaine to the United States.
The court document describes Maduro as the “illegitimate leader” of a corrupt regime that allegedly used state power for decades to protect and promote criminal activities, including drug trafficking, benefiting the country’s political and military elites.
Trump Announces Temporary U.S. Administration of Venezuela
On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela until the situation stabilizes. He also said Washington intends to restart Venezuelan oil production, noting that the United States has historically contributed to the country’s oil industry.
Mixed Reactions in Washington
The operation has received mixed reactions in the United States.
The Washington Post described Maduro’s capture as a “major victory for American interests,” emphasizing its strategic impact in the region.
Several Democratic officials welcomed the end of the Maduro regime. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz called the arrest good news for communities that fled Venezuela. On X, she wrote that the fall of this “brutal and illegitimate” leader was a relief for those who escaped a regime marked by violence, lawlessness, and economic failure.
Other Democratic lawmakers, while supporting Maduro’s removal, criticized President Trump for not notifying Congress before the operation. The president responded that he could not inform lawmakers because of their “tendency to leak sensitive information.”
Lingering Questions
Despite official statements, many questions remain, especially about the exact death toll, the circumstances of the strikes, and the legal basis for the U.S. intervention. Venezuelan authorities have not released an independent official figure, and access to some affected areas reportedly remains restricted.
As the international community monitors the consequences of this unprecedented operation, humanitarian and political questions about civilian deaths are likely to prompt intense debate in the coming days.
