Post by : Meena Ariff

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Latin America, a US military operation in Caracas has resulted in the deaths of 47 Venezuelan soldiers, including nine women, the Venezuelan government has confirmed. The Defence Ministry said the toll was revised upward from earlier figures, noting the fatalities were among forces resisting the raid that toppled President Nicolás Maduro.

The assault also claimed the lives of 32 Cuban troops, whom Havana says were in Venezuela on military duty tied to its longstanding alliance with Maduro’s government. Cuba has held public ceremonies to honor the fallen officers, whose remains were returned to Havana amid widespread mourning.

According to Venezuelan officials, more than 112 people were wounded in the strike, which began with air attacks on military targets and culminated in US forces landing by helicopter to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their Caracas residence. A full breakdown of civilian casualties has not yet been released as authorities continue DNA identification efforts.

Regional and global reactions have varied sharply, with major protests held outside the US Embassy in Havana where tens of thousands gathered to condemn the deaths of Cuban officers. Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel described the operation as an act of aggression and reaffirmed his government’s refusal to yield political ground in negotiations with Washington.

In Venezuela, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared seven days of mourning and held high‑level talks with the CIA director about economic cooperation and security issues in the aftermath of the crisis.

The US operation, which delivered Maduro to US custody to face drug‑related charges, has intensified diplomatic strains and drawn varied international responses, including calls for peaceful dialogue and regional stability.

#Global News