US intervention in Venezuela reportedly already has 80 victims

The death toll from Saturday's US military intervention in Venezuela has risen to at least 80. The New York Times reported this on Sunday, citing a senior Venezuelan official. He said the casualties include members of the security forces and civilians.

At least 40 soldiers and civilians have been killed in the US operation in Venezuela, according to the NYT's initial information. The unnamed official also warned that the death toll could rise even higher.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced on Sunday that a large part of the security detail of President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained along with his wife Cilia Flores and taken to the U.S. by U.S. special forces, had lost their lives.

Sources quoted by the New York Post said no US soldiers were killed in the action and no US equipment was destroyed. US President Donald Trump, who ordered the crackdown, has not ruled out the United States launching another attack on Venezuela if necessary.

(tasr, mja)