Most of Maduro’s Security Detail Killed in US Strike, Says Venezuela’s Defence Minister

Venezuela’s Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino López, has claimed that a large portion of the personal security team of deposed President Nicolás Maduro was killed during a US military operation targeting the capital, Caracas. The remarks were made during a televised interview on Sunday, according to a report by news agency Reuters.

The statement comes a day after the Donald Trump administration launched Airstrikes on key locations in Caracas under what US officials described as Operation Absolute Resolve. The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including members of the armed forces, civilians, and other individuals caught in the assault.

During the operation, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended by American forces and transported to the United States. According to official sources, the ousted Venezuelan president is scheduled to appear before a federal court in Manhattan on Monday, marking a dramatic escalation in the long-running political crisis between Washington and Caracas.

Speaking to local media, Padrino López acknowledged that multiple members of Maduro’s security apparatus were killed in the strikes but stopped short of providing an exact number. “A significant part of the president’s security force was eliminated,” he said, without offering further details on casualties resulting directly from the US military action.

The defence minister strongly condemned the US operation, describing the detention of Maduro as a “cowardly kidnapping.” He demanded the immediate release of the former president and insisted that Maduro remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

According to the Associated Press, Padrino López stressed that the country’s armed forces continue to recognize Maduro as the constitutional head of state. He also asserted that Venezuela’s military remains united in the face of what he called external aggression.

“The national armed forces are united and cohesive in the face of imperial aggression,” the defence minister said, signaling resistance to US intervention and reaffirming loyalty within military ranks.

In the wake of Maduro’s arrest, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved swiftly to ensure administrative continuity. The court requested Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume leadership as interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

In its ruling, the court said the move was necessary “to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the nation” while the elected president remains in US custody.

Within hours of the court’s decision, Venezuela’s military high command publicly recognized Rodríguez’s interim authority and pledged its support, reinforcing her position amid the unfolding political and security crisis.

The situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile, with international reactions pouring in and concerns mounting over regional stability, civilian safety, and the long-term consequences of the US military intervention.