Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Venezuela Holds Funeral for Soldiers Killed in US Operation
There was a big military operation by the United States to capture Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores.
This happened on January 3, and many soldiers were killed, including some from Venezuela and Cuba.
On January 8, there was a big funeral in Caracas for the soldiers who died.
The Venezuelan military and families of the soldiers were very sad and angry.
The Venezuelan government said it was a war crime and promised to find the people responsible.
Cuba also mourned the loss of its soldiers.
The United States has not said much about what happened.
The funeral was very emotional, with military honors and a gun salute for the fallen soldiers.
A US military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers.
A mass funeral was held in Caracas on January 8 to bury the fallen soldiers, with military honors and the presence of family members.
Venezuela's Attorney General described the operation as a 'war crime' and vowed to investigate the deaths.
Cuba declared two days of mourning for the fallen Cuban officers and condemned the operation.
Venezuela's Interior Minister reported at least 100 people were killed and a similar number injured during the US operation.
- Who
- Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores, Venezuelan security officers, Cuban military and police officers
- What
- US military operation to capture Maduro and Flores and subsequent mass funeral
- When
- January 3 (operation), January 8 (funeral)
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Why
- To capture Maduro and Flores and spirit them to the United States to face drug charges
Venezuela
United States
Nature of the Operation
Venezuela
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab described the operation as a 'war crime' and vowed to investigate the deaths.
United States
The United States has not publicly commented on the nature of the operation or the casualties.
Casualty Count
Venezuela
Venezuela's military reported at least 24 Venezuelan security officers killed, while Cuba reported 32 Cuban military and police officers died.
United States
The United States has not confirmed the casualty figures provided by Venezuela and Cuba.
- Event
- US military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores
- Date
- January 3 (operation), January 8 (funeral)
- Casualties
- At least 24 Venezuelan security officers and 32 Cuban military and police officers
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Funeral Details
- Mass funeral held in Caracas with military honors
- Venezuelan Response
- Venezuelan military vowed to dismantle terrorist groups and ensure such events do not happen again
- Cuban Response
- Cuba declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers
- Mourning Period
- Seven-day mourning period declared by acting President Delcy Rodríguez
- Total Casualties
- At least 100 people killed and a similar number injured during the US operation
Sources
AI Video Reimagines Nicolas Maduro’s Dramatic Capture in US Raid - Internet Can’t Look Away
Nicolás Maduro: from bus driver to Venezuela’s president
Venezuela's Military Buries Soldiers Slain In US Operation To Capture Maduro
Venezuela: Army holds funeral for dozens of soldiers killed during US operation to capture Maduro
"Trump, Give Us Back Nico": Venezuela Protesters Demand Maduro's Return
Death toll surges to 100 in US attack on Caracas that led to Maduro's capture, Venezuelan minister says
A Close Call for US Commandos and an Emboldened Trump - Telegraph India
Venezuela Holds State Funeral For Soldiers Killed In US Military Operation To Capture Nicolás Maduro & His Wife
Mint Explainer: Why haven't oil prices crashed after US action in Venezuela?
Venezuela's Interior Minister Says 100 People Died In U.S. Attack
JD Vance Defends US Operation in Venezuela: 'Not a Kidnapping, But Law Enforcement'
100 killed in US attack that ousted Maduro, says Venezuela's interior minister - Telegraph India
Look, Who Turned Up At Maduro March!
How long will US run Venezuela and extract oil? — 6 months or a year? Donald Trump says ‘longer’
US Senate To Vote On Resolution Limiting Trump’s Use Of Force In Venezuela
‘Will rebuild Venezuela in profitable way’: Trump on using oil reserves
The Donroe doctrine: How Trump’s Venezuela strike redefines US policy