CARACAS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Friday that 47 soldiers of Venezuela's Bolivarian National Armed Forces were killed in the Jan. 3 U.S. attack on the South American nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured by force in the raid, which has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.

The U.S. military strike against Venezuela has left at least 100 dead, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said recently.