Cuba has announced that 32 of its citizens were killed during the recent US military operation in Venezuela. The mission aimed to capture President Nicolas Maduro and took place in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, over the weekend. The Cuban government said the deaths occurred amid intense fighting and bombings during the raid.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared two days of national mourning on January 5 and 6. He honoured the fallen personnel as dedicated and brave combatants who fought in defence of Venezuela. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Cuba is a close ally of Venezuela and has long supported its government with military and intelligence personnel. These 32 victims were reportedly part of a mission requested by the Venezuelan authorities.
Who Were the Cuban Personnel Killed?
The Cuban casualties included members of the armed forces and police who had been deployed to Venezuela. Havana has not released the names or exact ranks of those killed. Officials only described them as loyal to their mission and committed to their duties.
In its official statement, the Cuban government said, “True to their responsibilities concerning security and defence, our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on the facilities.” This wording emphasises both resistance against the attackers and casualties caused by explosions during the operation.
Cuba’s Response and Mourning
Cuba has declared a period of mourning on its island to honour the fallen. Flags will fly at half-mast, and official ceremonies will recognise the sacrifice of the deceased personnel. The government also expressed solidarity with Venezuela, describing the losses as part of the long-standing alliance between the two nations.
President Díaz-Canel has condemned the US action, calling it a “criminal attack” that brought death to Cuban forces carrying out duties at Venezuela’s request. This attack follows a brief but significant military engagement that resulted in the capture of Maduro.
International Fallout from the Raid
The deaths of Cuban military personnel have escalated regional tension. The United States, which has not reported any of its own personnel killed, defended the operation as necessary to remove Maduro and bring him to justice. US President Donald Trump acknowledged the Cuban deaths but said American forces suffered no casualties.
The incident also stirred critiques of US policy in Latin America. Some nations in the region called for restraint and diplomatic dialogue. Others warned that the operation could destabilise peace and international norms.
Broader Impact on Cuba and Venezuela Relations
Cuba and Venezuela have close political and economic ties. Havana has provided military aid, intelligence support, and personnel for years. Cuba also relies on Venezuelan oil imports to support its economy. This new tragedy deepens Havana’s emotional and political stake in the crisis.
The loss of Cuban personnel has triggered public grief and renewed debates about foreign military involvement in internal conflicts. Many argue this event highlights how deeply intertwined Cuba’s security forces were with Venezuela’s leadership.
What Comes Next?
The deaths of the 32 Cuban personnel could shape diplomatic relations in the region for months. Cuba has called on the international community to recognise the sacrifice of its citizens and to support Venezuela’s sovereignty. The United States, meanwhile, maintains that the raid was justified under its legal authority to detain Maduro on criminal charges.
As both countries prepare to navigate this new phase, the broader consequences of the raid—including political fallout and public reaction—will continue to unfold.
