Caracas – At least 100 people are dead following a US-backed operation in Venezuela that led to the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro, according to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Maduro was arrested and, along with his wife, transported to the United States on Saturday.
Cabello stated that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, sustained head injuries during the attack. Maduro himself was reportedly wounded in the leg. “Cilia was hit in the head and suffered injuries to her body. Comrade Nicolas was injured in the leg. Fortunately, they are recovering from their injuries,” Cabello said during his weekly television program.
Venezuelan forces released videos Wednesday showing funerals for soldiers killed in the operation. The footage depicted mourners and flag-draped coffins, accompanied by speeches honoring the “courage, bravery, honor, and loyalty” of the fallen soldiers.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in on Monday, addressed the future of US-Venezuelan relations. “Regarding relations between Venezuela and the United States, the first thing that must be said is that there is now a stain on our relations, the likes of which we have never seen in our history,” she stated.
However, Rodriguez also indicated that trade with the United States remained a possibility. This follows reports that the state oil company is in negotiations to sell crude oil to Washington.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Venezuela’s interim authorities would deliver “between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil” to the United States. He stated on his social media platform that Venezuela would only purchase American-made products with the funds received from the new oil deal. These purchases would primarily include agricultural products, medicines, medical equipment, and materials to improve the electrical grid and energy infrastructure.
Rodriguez, in her address Wednesday evening, stated, “Our hands are extended to all countries of the world for relations, economic and commercial cooperation, and cooperation in the energy sector.”
The situation in Venezuela remains tense, and further developments are expected in the coming days. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
