Nicolas Maduro’s inner circle hit hard as reports cite large number of security team deaths during US raid

A significant portion of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s security team was killed during the U.S. military operation that resulted in his capture on Saturday, according to the country’s Defence Minister General Vladimir Padrino.

Speaking in a televised statement on Sunday, Padrino condemned the raid and accused U.S. forces of excessive force. He mentioned that American troops had “cold-bloodedly murder[ed] a large part of (Maduro’s) security team, soldiers, and innocent citizens.” The defence minister did not reveal the number of fatalities.

Maduro’s Legitimacy Defended, Release Demanded

Padrino strongly dismissed U.S. assertions questioning Maduro’s legitimacy, describing him the country’s “authentic and legitimate leader.” He demanded the release of Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, who were captured during the operation and transported to U.S. custody.

“We demand that the world pay close attention to everything that is happening against Venezuela, against its sovereignty and Constitution,” Padrino stated.

Rodríguez Named Acting President, Emergency Measures Enforced

The minister verified that Venezuela’s Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the position of acting president and cited that the armed forces have officially backed her appointment. He further said that the military has been used across the country and approved the Decree of State of External Emergency to maintain order.

“We fully support the Decree of State of External Emergency throughout the national territory, which was previously signed,” Padrino mentioned, adding that the armed forces would remain using “all their available capabilities” to maintain security and peace.

Trump Confirms Capture as Caracas Remains on Edge

The U.S. operation was publicly confirmed by President Donald Trump, who stated that American forces had captured Maduro and Flores after what he explained as a decisive military mission. Trump accused Maduro of supervising narcotics trafficking into the United States and maintaining authority through election fraud claims that the Venezuelan government has consistently dismissed.

While Maduro continues to be in custody at a New York detention facility pending drug-related offenses, senior authorities in Caracas remain to exercise authority and have called for his release. Venezuela’s presidential palace is guarded by armed civilians and members of the military on Sunday.

Public Reaction Split at Home and Abroad

In the capital, Caracas, the aftermath of the mission left residents unsettled. A strained calm is over the city, with several businesses, churches, and gas stations shut. Streets were unusually silent as people gathered outside open stores, staring at their phones or standing quietly.

Despite the uncertainty, Padrino urged residents to return to their daily life. “I call on the people of Venezuela to resume their activities of all kinds, economic, work and education, in the coming days,” he stated.

International responses were sharply mixed. Exiled Venezuelans celebrated in cities which included Madrid and Santiago, waving flags and gathering in public squares. Inside Venezuela, responses were more restrained, with several showing concern about what’s next.

Maduro, a self-described socialist, has ruled Venezuela for over a decade following the succession of Hugo Chávez, presiding in a period marked by economic collapse, mass emigration, and political repression. Approximately eight million Venezuelans have fled the nation in recent years.

As Venezuela enters an uncertain scenario, questions continue over sovereignty, leadership, and the long-term challenges of the U.S. intervention both at home and abroad.

FAQs:

Q1. What happened in Venezuela over the weekend?
U.S. forces executed a military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The raid triggered political, military, and public responses across the nation.

Q2. Who confirmed the security team casualties?
Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino mentioned that the members of Maduro’s security detail were killed. He did not offer an exact casualty count.