Agency — The Cuban government has, for the first time, officially confirmed that 32 of its military and police officials were killed during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
According to Cuban authorities, the officials were deployed in Venezuela at the request of the Venezuelan government and were involved in security and military duties. In a statement broadcast on Cuban state television, the government said, “Our citizens fulfilled their responsibilities with honesty and bravery. They lost their lives in direct combat or in the bombing of facilities. They carried out their duty with honor.”
Following the incident, Cuba has declared two days of national mourning. Public events and official ceremonies in Havana have been suspended.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “Many people died on the other side, but none on our side.” This remark appears to underline the success of the U.S. operation and an attempt to project a stance of impartiality. The operation was conducted at locations under the control of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the objective of detaining Maduro and bringing him to the United States.
Cuba and Venezuela have long been close political and military allies. Cuba has been sending security, military, and police officials to Venezuela for years. This incident has drawn international attention to the role of Cuban personnel in Venezuela. Analysts have described the event as a sign of renewed tension in U.S.–Cuba–Venezuela relations, and it is expected that both the Cuban government’s response and the U.S. administration’s strategy will be closely watched in the coming days.
Publish Date: January 5, 2026
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