75 killed in U.S. military raid that captured Venezuelan leader Maduro

The Washington Post reported the information.

The United States military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday resulted in approximately 75 deaths, according to U.S. government assessments shared with officials this week. The casualties included Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel, as well as civilians caught in the crossfire during the predawn assault on Maduro's compound in Caracas.

President Donald Trump characterized the mission as "effective" but "very violent," remarks that now carry greater weight given the significant loss of life. The operation, designated Operation Absolute Resolve, was executed by elite Delta Force operators working alongside soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment and pilots from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Multiple helicopters launched from warships positioned off Venezuela's coast, flying low over the water to avoid detection before descending on the compound. The assault force faced immediate resistance, triggering an intense firefight. "Overwhelming force in self-defense" was used after helicopters came under groundfire, according to Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Half a dozen American troops sustained injuries during the raid, some from gunshot wounds. Two service members remain hospitalized, while five others have returned to duty after treatment. Some of the wounded were evacuated to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas for surgery.

"The fact that this extremely complex and grueling mission was successfully executed with so few injuries is a testament to the expertise of our joint warriors," the Pentagon stated Tuesday.

The mission involved more than 150 aircraft launched from 20 locations, making it one of the most ambitious special operations missions in recent years. During a classified congressional briefing Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as Trump's national security adviser, told lawmakers the administration is working with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president who now serves as Venezuela's acting president.

Administration officials expressed confidence they hold leverage over Rodríguez, assessing that Venezuela faces a cash crisis and could be unable to pay security forces within weeks without cooperation. Trump indicated in a Monday interview with NBC News that elections in Venezuela won't occur until the country is "fixed."

Maduro was brought to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges following his capture.

• On January 5, a court hearing was held in New York for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, where he appeared with his wife. The politician declared he was not guilty, adding that he is still the leader of his country. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17.