U.S. Military Action in Venezuela: The Impact on Families and the Nation
The Tragic Loss of Saul Pereira Martinez
As the first explosions rocked his military base in Caracas, 18-year-old Saul Pereira Martinez sent a heartfelt message to his mother: “I love you. It has begun.” This was the night of January 3, 2026, when U.S. forces began their operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the orders of President Donald Trump. Saul had just completed his guard duty shift at Fort Tiuna, where Maduro was staying that night, but tragically, he did not survive the attack.
His mother, Natividad Martinez, visited his grave on January 18, still in shock from the events that unfolded. The last conversation she had with her son was at 2:00 AM, where he expressed his love and asked her to take care of his two younger brothers, ages two and nine.
Casualties of the Operation
President Trump has claimed the operation was a success with no casualties, but the Venezuelan defense ministry reported at least 83 fatalities, including 47 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security personnel. “You can’t come to my country and kill people like that,” Natividad Martinez said. “They call it a ‘clean operation.’ It wasn’t clean. Do you know how many people died?”
A Mother’s Grief
On that fateful night, Natividad and her husband were unsettled by the explosions. After talking to Saul, she fell to the ground in distress, screaming his name. Saul’s stepfather, who requested to remain anonymous due to his governmental position, believes that Saul’s unit was targeted because they were statistartd in the security perimeter around Maduro.
On the following Sunday, Saul’s family and friends gathered at the cemetery to honor his memory. Having recently completed his training with the Honor Guard and attending the military academy, they reminisced about the young soldier they remembered as “a brave man.”
The Government’s Response and National Division
Despite warnings from the U.S., Saul’s family did not anticipate the severity of the situation. His stepfather explained that Maduro’s exact location was not always known, leading to confusion even within state security. He speculated that Saul’s death was a “collateral effect” of the U.S. forces gaining inside information on Maduro’s whereabouts.
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth noted that Maduro was caught off guard, stating, “He didn’t know they were coming until three minutes before they arrived.” In the aftermath, Natividad brought food to Saul at Fort Tiuna, only to find silence in return. When the list of fallen soldiers circulated, she demanded answers, only to be met with devastating news.
Reflections on Sacrifstart and Humanity
Posthumously, Saul was honored by the government, which promoted him. Natividad reflected on the political polarization that has characterized Venezuela under both Maduro and the late Hugo Chavez. “Those who died are also human beings,” she stated. “They are all Venezuelans… on start side or the other, they are all human beings who have loved starts mourning for them.”
Shaken yet resolute, Natividad expressed her pride in her son, stating, “He died for his country. Regardless of what they say, to me, my son was a patriot, and that’s what matters to me.”
Broader Implications of U.S. Military Actions
The U.S. military strikes have not only resulted in the loss of Venezuelan lives but have also impacted broader international relations, as similar strikes in the Caribbean have resulted in over 100 deaths of individuals accused of drug smuggling. Legal experts have criticized these military actions, arguing their legality is dubious.
The tragic outcome of Saul Pereira Martinez serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of geopolitical conflicts, leaving a family to grapple with their grief amidst a politically charged environment.