The government of Venezuela paid tribute this weekend to 32 Cuban combatants who died during a military operation carried out by the United States in the early morning of January 3, 2026within the framework of the operation that culminated in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a official statementthe Executive described the action as a “criminal and infamous attack” and assured that The Cuban soldiers were in the country carrying out cooperation and defense missions, in the context of agreements between States.
Cuba decrees mourning
Hours before the confirmation by the Venezuelan government, the Cuban administration announced the death of the 32 officials, who belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior and Intelligence services.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced two days of official mourning, starting this Monday at 6:00 am, with flags at half-mast and suspension of most public events.
What were the Cuban military doing in Caracas?
Díaz-Canel stated that The Cuban military carried out missions in Caracas at the request of Venezuelan “homologous bodies,” without offering further details. However, analysts had pointed out for years that Maduro’s first personal security ring would be made up mostly of Cubans, a version that neither Caracas nor Havana had officially confirmed until now.
In a message spread on social networks, the Cuban president praised the deceased and accused the United States of having acted like “terrorists in imperial uniform.”
Trump recognizes Cuban casualties
Shortly before the official announcement from Havana, US President Donald Trump had declared that in the operation to capture Maduro “many on the other side” died, including “many Cubans” who participated in his protection.
Washington confirmed that Maduro and his wife were transferred to New York, where they will face a judicial process.
