Photo by the media. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López
The minister stated: “The National Armed Forces resolutely condemn the cowardly act of kidnapping Nicolás Maduro, the legitimate president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores de Maduro. This crime occurred on January 3, 2026, and resulted in the cold-blooded murder of a significant number of his security personnel, including both men and women.”
Additionally, Padrino López added that the Venezuelan parliament plans to resume its work in a normal mode.
Earlier, The New York Times, citing a high-ranking official, reported that at least 40 people were killed as a result of the United States' attack on Venezuela, including both military personnel and civilians. Later, this number rose to at least 80 fatalities.
We remind you that on the night of January 3, explosions occurred in the capital of the country. It was reported that a special operation by the U.S. Air Force took place, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, after which they were forcibly taken out of the country and placed in one of the prisons in New York.
The former president of Venezuela has been charged with leading the criminal organization Cartel de los Soles, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the States, as well as conspiracy with Colombian groups involved in cocaine trafficking along with his wife, son, and close associates.
Moreover, Nicolás Maduro is accused of trafficking Venezuelan diplomatic passports, providing diplomatic cover for drug trafficking, and using criminal gangs to eliminate his competitors.
