The Government of Venezuela paid tribute to the 32 “Cuban combatants” who died during the United States military attack on that South American country, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement released on Sunday night by Foreign Minister Yván Gil on social networks, the Venezuelan Executive assured that the Cubans “said their lives in the fulfillment of their duty” and indicated that these personnel carried out “institutional protection and defense tasks.”
The official note from Caracas points out that the island’s military was in Venezuela as part of the “cooperation between sovereign States” and considers that “their actions were distinguished by bravery, discipline and unwavering commitment to peace and regional stability.”
#Release The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela pays tribute to the 32 Cuban combatants who gave their lives fulfilling their duty, within the framework of cooperation and defense missions, as a consequence of the criminal and infamous attack perpetrated by the Government of the States… pic.twitter.com/hAnCbJtWsV
— Yvan Gil (@yvangil) January 5, 2026
The Venezuelan Government expressed its “deepest solidarity” with Cuba and thanked the president of the island, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the Army general and leader of the Cuban revolution Raúl Castro “for their support and firm solidarity.”
Likewise, he described the US attack as “criminal and infamous” and said he extended his “fraternal embrace” to the Cuban armed forces and the families of the dead, “whose sacrifice,” he considered, “strengthens the historical ties of brotherhood, sovereignty and shared struggle” between both countries.
Confirmation from Cuba
Previously, the Cuban Government had reported on the death of the island’s military in Venezuela and President Miguel Díaz-Canel explained on social networks that they were “carrying out missions” in Caracas at the “request of counterpart bodies in that country,” without further details.
Analysts and witnesses cited by international media had already pointed out for some time that Maduro’s first personal security circle was made up mainly of Cubans, something that Caracas and Havana had never confirmed.
Although the names of the dead Cubans have not been made public, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior indicated on social networks that among the deceased are personnel from the Revolutionary Armed Forces and its department, where many soldiers also work, as well as people from the Intelligence services.
“Honor and glory to the brave Cuban fighters who fell facing terrorists in imperial uniform, who kidnapped and illegally removed from their country the president of Venezuela and his wife, whose lives helped protect our lives at the request of that sister nation,” wrote Díaz-Canel, who expressed his “pain and indignation” over these deaths.
The president announced two days of official mourning in Cuba, starting at 6 a.m. this Monday and assured that the relatives of the fallen were informed and received condolences from the country’s highest authorities after their identity was confirmed.
32 Cubans died in Venezuela in combative actions. Government declares National Mourning
Shortly before the Havana announcement, US President Donald Trump had assured that “many on the other side” died in the operation to capture Maduro, including “many Cubans” who protected him.
Venezuelan sources cited by The New York Times revealed that around 80 people died as a result of the attacks. On the US side, the Trump Administration has reported injured soldiers, but without fatal consequences.
The attack on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro by the United States has generated a wave of reactions internationally and has plunged the future of the South American nation and also of Cuba, Caracas’ main ally and recipient of Venezuelan oil, into great uncertainty.
