**Venezuelan Defense Minister Condemns Maduro’s Arrest… “Military and Civilians Cold-bloodedly Killed”**
U.S. President Donald Trump shared a photo on Truth Social on the 3rd (local time), showing the current status of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following his arrest in a surprise military operation by U.S. forces.
Venezuela has stated that during the U.S. operation to capture and extradite President Maduro, most of his security team was killed by the U.S. military.
According to Reuters and other foreign media on the 4th (local time), Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan Defense Minister, strongly condemned the arrest of President Maduro in a broadcast speech to the nation.
Minister Padrino said, “This crime was committed yesterday after most of his security team and innocent civilians were cold-bloodedly killed.” However, he did not disclose the exact number of casualties.
He also expressed support for Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is to serve as the acting president. Additionally, he emphasized that their military is mobilized nationwide to ensure sovereignty.
The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing high-level Venezuelan officials, that the death toll from the previous day’s U.S. attack has risen to 80, including Maduro’s security personnel and civilians.
According to the report, Venezuelan officials mentioned that the casualty count might increase further.
Earlier, the U.S. military launched airstrikes in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, as well as in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states.
The elite special forces unit of the U.S. Army, Delta Force, raided a safehouse, arrested President Maduro, and extradited him to the United States.
The airstrikes by the U.S. included locations such as a residential area in Catia La Mar, a low-income district west of Caracas Airport, leading to casualties among the residents.
It was reported that some residents in the targeted areas were killed or seriously injured due to the airstrikes.
In an interview with the media, President Trump hinted at a significant number of Cuban casualties among the security personnel.
President Trump stated, “Many Cubans lost their lives during the operation to capture President Maduro. They were protecting Maduro.”
He also noted, “There were no U.S. military casualties in this operation.”