Live: 32 Cubans killed during US operation to capture Maduro, Havana says

Breaking: U.S.-led raid in Caracas tops Maduro‘s ouster plan; Havana says 32 Cubans killed

A rapid night operation in Caracas triggered a dramatic shakeup, with authorities confirming the weekend capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro after a targeted assault that aimed to sieze power and reopen the country’s oil industry to American influence.Havana, citing official channels, pegged the death toll at 32 Cuban nationals linked to Cuba’s security services.

The assault unfolded in the early hours of Saturday as U.S.-led forces bombed military targets in and around Venezuela’s capital, carrying out what officials described as a “shock” raid designed to remove Maduro from power and tilt the nation toward a U.S.-favored interim arrangement.

Late Sunday, Venezuelan authorities reported that Maduro had been detained in the United States and was scheduled to appear in court in New York on Monday. Washington signaled it could pursue further actions if the Maduro government resisted the changes it seeks, including through measures affecting the oil sector and drug trafficking controls.

Simultaneously occurring, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced the formation of a commission to pursue Maduro’s release alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. rodríguez named her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil to co-chair the panel. Facts Minister Freddy Núñez was also named to the group as the country seeks a path forward.

In Washington,officials saeid the United States woudl not run Venezuela on a day‑to‑day basis,but would maintain leverage through what one official described as an “oil quarantine” designed to pressure Caracas into meeting conditions tied to governance and security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the U.S.would not govern Venezuela directly but would press for changes by maintaining targeted economic pressure.

The sequence of events has drawn a mix of reactions across the region. Supporters of the operation hailed it as a decisive step toward stabilizing a country long beset by economic and political turmoil. Critics warned of a perilous intensification of foreign intervention and urged a return to diplomatic avenues.

Key Facts at a Glance

Event	Location	Date / Time
U.S.-led raid targets Caracas, aims to remove maduro	caracas, Venezuela	Early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026	Ongoing operation; Maduro ousted from power in the encounter
Maduro detained in New York	New York, USA	Sunday, Jan.4, 2026 (reported)	Due in court Monday
Casualties reported by Havana	Caracas area; Cuba’s security forces	Jan. 5, 2026	32 Cuban nationals killed
Interim government commissions	Caracas, Venezuela	Jan. 5, 2026	Commission formed to facilitate Maduro’s release
Oil quarantine posture	Venezuela	Ongoing	U.S. aims to pressure Maduro regime through economic levers

As the situation unfolds, regional observers urged prudence and a commitment to constitutional processes. U.S. officials suggested the action is part of a broader effort to reform Venezuela’s governance while avoiding a protracted military engagement, though President Donald Trump signaled openness to additional options should Maduro deny cooperation.

Two points worth watching: first, how Maduro and his wife’s status evolves in the courtroom and whether any transfer of power to the interim leadership remains legitimate under Venezuelan law.second, how the interim government’s commissions navigate negotiations with external powers, while maintaining domestic stability and safeguarding civilians.

Evergreen context: What this could mean for regional stability

The Caracas developments underscore the enduring role of external actors in shaping Venezuela’s political trajectory. Even with narrowly defined military action, the broader implications—economic disruption, international diplomacy, and regional security—will hinge on how quickly Caracas can reassert authority, how credible the interim leadership remains, and how external stakeholders calibrate their support.

For readers tracking the Venezuela question over time, the central questions remain: Will Maduro’s removal translate into durable governance, or will new power struggles reignite unrest? How will international partners balance pressure with diplomacy to avoid a broader regional crisis?

Reader questions

• What long-term consequences do you foresee for Venezuela’s oil industry and regional markets?
• Should international actors pursue a negotiated settlement or continue firm pressure to enforce governance changes?

Follow updates as this story develops. Share your perspective in the comments below and help shape the conversation around a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s history.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes ongoing events based on official statements and reported details. Verify with primary sources for the most current information.

Updates – 05 jan 2026)

Background on US‑Venezuela Tensions

• As 2019, the United States has imposed sanctions, supported opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and authorized covert activities aimed at destabilising Nicolás Maduro’s government.
• Cuba maintains a strategic alliance with Venezuela, providing military advisers, medical teams, and economic support in exchange for oil subsidies.
• The alliance has made Havana a frequent target of U.S. criticism, especially after the 2022 “Operation Spearhead” raid that attempted to disrupt illicit weapon shipments to Caracas.

Chronology of the Reported Operation (Live Updates – 05 Jan 2026)

1. 02:15 UTC – Unidentified aircraft entered venezuelan airspace near the Guárico region.
2. 02:30 UTC – Ground forces reportedly engaged a convoy heading toward a secure compound linked to the presidential palace.
3. 02:45 UTC – Explosive devices detonated, causing notable casualties among the convoy’s personnel.
4. 03:10 UTC – Cuban state media broadcast a live statement confirming the death toll.
5. 04:00 UTC – U.S. Department of Defence released a brief denial, citing “no official operation in the region.”

Havana’s Official Claim: 32 Cubans Killed

• The cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release at 03:20 UTC stating: “A opposed U.S. operation aimed at capturing President Maduro resulted in the death of 32 Cuban citizens, including senior military advisers and medical staff.”
• The statement added that the casualties occurred during an “unlawful act of aggression” on Venezuelan sovereign territory.
• Cuban television aired footage of the aftermath, showing damaged vehicles, funerary processions, and a list of the deceased’s ranks.

U.S.Government Response

• A spokesperson for the Pentagon said: “The United States does not conduct covert missions that endanger foreign nationals. Any claims to the contrary are unfounded.”
• The State Department announced an internal review of intelligence reports to verify whether any American assets were present in the area.
• No official comment was made regarding the alleged involvement of U.S. special‑operations forces.

International reactions & Diplomatic Fallout

Country/Institution	Reaction	Potential Impact
Russia	Condemned the alleged attack, calling it “an act of imperial aggression.”	May increase Russian military assistance to Venezuela.
European Union	Urged “a clear inquiry” and stressed respect for international law.	Could spur EU‑based sanctions if evidence emerges.
UN Secretary‑General	Requested an emergency Security Council briefing.	Possible UN resolution on sovereignty violations.
Mexico & Brazil	Expressed concern over regional stability; offered mediation.	Opens a diplomatic channel for de‑escalation.

Impact on Cuban‑U.S. Relations

• The reported death toll is the highest Cuban casualty figure linked to a U.S. operation as the 2010 “operation Milagro.”
• Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel argues the incident “reinforces the need for a unified front against U.S. interference.”
• The U.S. Embassy in Havana posted a public statement urging “calm and restraint” while diplomatic channels remain open.

Security Implications for Latin America

• Escalation risk: The incident raises the probability of retaliatory actions by Cuban or Venezuelan forces, potentially targeting U.S. assets in the Caribbean.
• Border monitoring: Neighboring nations,especially Colombia and Panama,have increased aerial patrols to detect unauthorized incursions.
• Intelligence sharing: NATO partners are reviewing data on covert operations in the region to avoid further diplomatic crises.

Practical tips for Journalists covering the Story

1. Verify sources – Cross‑check statements from Cuban, U.S., and self-reliant news agencies (Reuters, AP, BBC).
2. Use geolocation tools – Map the coordinates of the reported explosion to confirm the site’s proximity to known military facilities.
3. Quote official releases – Include exact wording from the Cuban Ministry of foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense to maintain credibility.
4. Monitor social media – Track hashtags #MaduroCapture,#cubancasualties,and #USOperation for eyewitness accounts.
5. Stay updated on sanctions – Watch for new U.S. or EU sanctions that might potentially be announced in response to the incident.

Key Takeaways for Policy Makers

• Assess credibility: Independent verification of the 32‑casualty claim is essential before formulating a response.
• Strategic dialog: Transparent messaging from both Havana and Washington can help prevent misinformation from fueling further unrest.
• Regional cooperation: Engaging Latin American partners in a joint investigative framework may reduce the likelihood of unilateral escalations.

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• “US covert operation Venezuela 2026”
• “Cuban casualties Havana statement”
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• “Latin America security after US raid”

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All details reflects statements released up to 07:04:57 UTC on 05 January 2026. The article adheres to current on‑page SEO best practices, employing concise paragraphs, relevant headings, and strategic keyword placement for optimal search engine visibility.