The government of Cuba has made a grave accusation against the United States, stating that thirty-two Cuban nationals lost their lives during a dramatic US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend. The operation resulted in the capture of Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro.
Cuba's Official Statement and Accusation
In a strongly worded statement read on national television on Sunday, January 4, the Cuban government held the United States directly responsible for the deaths. The statement declared that "32 Cubans lost their lives in combat operations" as a direct result of what it called a "criminal attack" carried out by the US government against Venezuela.
Cuban officials clarified that the deceased were not civilians but members of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry of the Interior. They stated these individuals were in Venezuela "at the request of counterpart agencies," suggesting they were on official missions providing support to Venezuelan authorities.
The US Operation and Capture of Maduro
The Cuban casualties are linked to a stunning military action carried out by the United States on Saturday, January 3. During this raid in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, US forces successfully extracted President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation culminated in Maduro being transported to face serious criminal charges in a New York court on Monday. The charges against the Venezuelan leader are reported to include drug trafficking and terrorism.
Havana's Response and Tributes
The Cuban government praised its fallen soldiers, stating they had "fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism." The official account detailed that they fell "after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombings" conducted by US forces.
In response to the losses, Havana has announced a period of national mourning for two days, beginning at dawn on Monday, January 5. The government has pledged to organize official tributes to honor the deceased.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also expressed his sentiments on the social media platform X, writing, "Honor and glory to the brave Cuban fighters who fell facing terrorists in imperial uniform." This statement underscores the severe diplomatic rift and the framing of the event by Cuban leadership.
