A large-scale US military operation carried out in Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including civilians and members of the armed forces, according to a report published by The New York Times.
Citing a senior Venezuelan official with direct knowledge of preliminary casualty assessments, the report stated that the death toll reflects the scale and intensity of the strikes launched by American forces as part of a broader effort to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying: “At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the attack.” The strikes reportedly formed part of a dramatic overnight operation that culminated in Maduro’s arrest.
Maduro Taken Into US Custody
US President Donald Trump later confirmed that Maduro had been captured and removed from Venezuela by American forces. He stated that portions of Caracas were plunged into darkness during the operation, suggesting widespread disruption to infrastructure amid the strikes.
Trump further announced that Maduro was now in US custody and that Washington would assume temporary control over Venezuela’s administration. Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump outlined his administration’s intentions.
“We will run the country until we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump said. “We cannot risk having someone else take over Venezuela without considering the interests of Venezuelans.”
Maduro Arrives in the United States
Later on Saturday night, an aircraft carrying Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York. US officials confirmed that Maduro is expected to appear in federal court in Manhattan next week.
The charges reportedly include allegations related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, cases that have been pending against the Venezuelan leader for several years.
US Signals Plans for Venezuela’s Future
Washington’s intention to shape Venezuela’s immediate future became clearer in the hours following the operation. Trump stated that the United States would “run” the country, at least on a temporary basis, and hinted at plans to leverage Venezuela’s vast oil reserves by selling energy resources to other nations.
The announcement marked a significant escalation in US involvement and underscored the strategic importance Washington places on Venezuela’s energy assets.
Global Concerns and Legal Questions
The scale of Saturday’s military operation represents the most aggressive US effort to remove a sitting foreign government since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. While Venezuelan officials vowed continued resistance despite Maduro’s removal, the strikes have triggered widespread international concern.
Critics have raised serious questions about the legality of Washington’s actions under international law, as well as the long-term consequences of direct US control in a deeply polarized South American nation.
As the situation continues to evolve, the civilian casualties reported from the strikes have intensified scrutiny of the operation and its broader humanitarian and geopolitical implications.
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