Citing a senior Venezuelan official, who spoke anonymously, the report said: „At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the attack.“

US officials told the New York Times that the assault involved a large-scale aerial operation aimed at disabling Venezuelan air defenses before ground forces were deployed.

„More than 150 US aircraft were dispatched to knock out air defenses, so military helicopters could deliver troops who assaulted Mr. Maduro‘s position, US officials said,“ it noted.