A large portion of President Nicolás Maduro’s personal security team has been killed in a U.S. military strike, according to Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. The defense chief described the attack as a “cowardly act of aggression” carried out by U.S. forces, claiming it targeted a convoy near the capital, Caracas.
Padrino stated that the assault resulted in “a significant number of fatalities” among Maduro’s close protection officers but did not specify the exact number. The Venezuelan government has condemned the operation, calling it a violation of national sovereignty and international law.
The U.S. has not yet confirmed or commented on the alleged action. Washington has long accused Maduro’s government of corruption, drug trafficking, and political repression, while Caracas frequently blames the U.S. for attempts to destabilize the country.
Analysts warn that this incident could sharply escalate tensions between the two nations, which have remained deeply strained since the U.S. imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela in recent years. The Venezuelan government has declared a period of national mourning and vowed to respond “at the appropriate time.”