Havana, DZWatch – The Cuban government announced Sunday that 32 of its citizens were killed during the US military operation in Venezuela on Saturday. The operation reportedly resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US special forces, who were then transported to New York.
Cuba has declared a period of national mourning for the deceased, with funeral arrangements to be announced shortly. A government statement clarified that the deceased were members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry of the Interior, and were in Venezuela at the request of the Venezuelan authorities.
The statement detailed that the 32 Cubans died either in direct combat with the attacking forces or as a result of bombardment. “Loyal to their responsibilities related to security and defense, our citizens performed their duty with dignity and heroism, falling after fierce resistance in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the shelling of facilities,” the statement read.
The incident underscores the close ties between Cuba and Venezuela, which have strengthened since the late 1990s. The relationship deepened further after a failed coup attempt against then-President Hugo Chavez in 2002 prompted Cuban intervention to solidify his power.
Venezuela has been a key supplier of oil to Cuba, while Havana has deployed military and police personnel, as well as medical professionals, to Venezuela in recent years. The US government has not yet issued a detailed statement confirming the specifics of the Cuban casualties, but officials have acknowledged the operation in Venezuela.
The situation remains tense, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
