Brilliant but bloody: 55 Cuban and Venezuelan troops killed as Trump seizes Maduro

Caracas: US President Donald Trump called the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “brilliant” operation, even as 55 Cuban and Venezuelan troops were killed during the raid in Caracas.

Operation highlights:

US President Donald Trump has hailed the military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as “brilliant,” even as official tolls reveal 55 Cuban and Venezuelan troops were killed. The nighttime raid in Caracas, which targeted Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, has drawn global attention, with the US citing Maduro’s violent history and the supposed orchestration of paid demonstrations in his support. Cuba confirmed 32 of its military personnel died, while Venezuela reported 23 fatalities among its forces, highlighting the high human cost of the operation.

US elite troops launched a daring nighttime raid on Nicolás Maduro’s Caracas residence, successfully capturing the Venezuelan leader along with his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump called the operation “brilliant,” describing it as a clear demonstration of the US military’s unmatched capability.

The assault resulted in 55 fatalities among Cuban and Venezuelan forces. Cuba officially named 32 soldiers who died, while Venezuela confirmed 23 of its personnel were killed in the operation.

Trump praises military supremacy:

Addressing House Republicans at the Trump-Kennedy Center, Trump highlighted the US armed forces’ “most powerful, most lethal, most sophisticated” status, emphasising that no other country could have executed the mission. He also criticised Democrats for not acknowledging the success of the raid.

Exiled Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado described the operation as “a huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity,” framing Maduro’s capture as a victory against oppression.

Despite Maduro’s capture, several members of his regime remain in power. Venezuelans report continued fear and intimidation on the streets, while videos show armed police patrolling Caracas, chanting slogans like “loyal always, traitors never.”

Claims of organised protests:

Trump alleged that demonstrators calling for Maduro’s release were organised and paid. He claimed that signs such as “Free Maduro” were displayed even before the raid, suggesting pre-planned support for the Venezuelan leader.

Trump accused Maduro of long-term violence and torture, claiming millions were killed under his regime. He argued the operation was justified to protect human rights and counter radical-left influence supporting the Venezuelan leader. The names and numbers released by Cuban and Venezuelan authorities underscore the operation’s human cost, reflecting the high stakes of this US-led mission.