Much of Maduro’s Security Team Killed in US Action, Venezuela Defense Minister Says

The official said much of Maduro’s security team as well as soldiers and civilians were killed.

A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military air base in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 3, 2026. Leonardo Fernandez/Reuters

A significant portion of Venezuelan socialist leader Nicolás Maduro’s security team was killed in the U.S. operation that led to the leader’s capture, Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino López in a news conference on Jan. 4.

While López didn’t provide a figure of the casualties, he backed the Venezuelan Supreme Court declaration that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez serve as interim president and said armed forces were activated across the country.