Cuba confirmed that 32 of its military and intelligence personnel were killed during a U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, prompting two days of national mourning.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Cuba said Monday that 32 of its citizens, all members of the country’s armed forces and intelligence services, were killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States to face criminal charges.
The Cuban government announced two days of national mourning on January 5 and 6, according to reporting by Reuters. In an official statement, authorities said funeral arrangements would be announced later and provided limited operational details.
“True to their responsibilities concerning security and defense, 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,” the Cuban statement said, according to Reuters. The government said all of those killed were affiliated with Cuba’s military or intelligence agencies.
Public attention to the casualties intensified after President Donald Trump referenced Cuban deaths while speaking publicly following the operation. In comments circulated online, Trump said that “a lot of Cubans were killed,” referring to bodyguards present during the raid, remarks highlighted in a widely shared social media post.
Additional details were reported by the BBC, which said Cuba confirmed the deaths involved members of its armed forces and intelligence services and reiterated the declaration of national mourning. According to the BBC report, Cuban officials did not specify the precise role their personnel played during the operation, but noted the longstanding alliance between Havana and Caracas.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Cuban security and intelligence personnel were providing protection to Maduro and his wife at the request of the Venezuelan government, according to the report.
The confirmation of Cuban casualties has fueled broader questions about the regional implications of the U.S. operation. In the days following Maduro’s capture, speculation has emerged over whether Washington could pursue similar actions elsewhere in the region. Speaking to reporters Sunday, Trump said military action against Cuba would not be necessary, stating that “Cuba is ready to fall,” according to comments cited in the BBC report.
U.S. officials have not released a detailed public account of the firefight that occurred during the operation. However, the acknowledgment by Havana that dozens of Cuban personnel were present and killed indicates that Maduro’s security detail included significant foreign military and intelligence support.
The Cuban government said the loss of personnel occurred during combat connected to the U.S. raid and linked the deaths directly to efforts to defend Venezuelan facilities during the operation.
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