The death toll from the United States’ military operation in Venezuela has climbed to at least 80 people, according to a report by TRT World, citing the New York Times.
The report, published Sunday, January 4, 2026m quoted a senior Venezuelan official as saying the number of fatalities could rise further as assessments continue following Saturday’s operation, which culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Earlier, Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino, confirmed that a significant portion of President Maduro’s security detail was killed during the U.S. action, though he did not provide specific casualty figures.
Operation and Arrests
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that American forces had successfully captured Maduro and Flores during what he described as a large-scale military operation. Trump also stated that the United States would temporarily assert control over Venezuela during a transitional period, pledging to deploy U.S. troops if necessary.
Maduro and Flores were flown to the United States late Saturday and are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, according to officials.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The Venezuelan leader and his wife are expected to face U.S. federal charges from Monday, January 5, 2026, including allegations related to drug trafficking and collaboration with gangs designated by Washington as terrorist organizations.
Maduro has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated. Venezuelan authorities in Caracas have condemned the U.S. action and are demanding the immediate release of the detained couple.
International and Legal Implications
The rising casualty figures are intensifying international scrutiny of the operation, particularly over its legality under international law, the use of force against a sovereign state, and the prosecution of a sitting or former head of state in a foreign jurisdiction.
Legal analysts note that the case could raise complex questions around extraterritorial jurisdiction, state sovereignty, and the limits of U.S. criminal enforcement abroad, especially as the humanitarian toll of the operation continues to emerge.
This report is based on information published by TRT World and New York Times.
