Havana, Cuba — The Cuban government has declared two days of mourning following the deaths of 32 citizens amid a U.S. military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The period of mourning is set for January 5 and 6, with officials promising that funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
The announcement came after state media reported that the deceased were Cuban personnel engaged in missions for Venezuela, responding to requests from the Venezuelan government. According to the state-run Prensa Latina, Cuban “fighters” were killed during direct confrontations with U.S. forces or as a result of airstrikes targeting military facilities. The statement marks Cuba’s first official acknowledgment of the casualties, underscoring its longstanding support for the Maduro administration.
Following the operation on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were transported to New York, where he faces drug-related charges. His court appearance is scheduled for Monday. Maduro has consistently denied any allegations of criminal activity.
Images of the Venezuelan leader, reportedly blindfolded and handcuffed, have shocked many in Venezuela, drawing comparisons with past U.S. interventions in Latin America. The raid has been described as the most controversial U.S. involvement in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
In the wake of the attack, Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino condemned the assault, claiming it resulted in numerous civilian and military casualties. He asserted that a significant part of Maduro’s security detail was killed in the assault and that the Venezuelan armed forces have been mobilized to safeguard national sovereignty.
U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing reporters, acknowledged the heavy toll on Cuban fighters, stating that “there was a lot of death on the other side.” He claimed that no U.S. personnel were harmed during the operations. Trump’s comments also extended to threats aimed at Colombia’s President, suggesting potential military action could be contemplated in Colombia.
Additionally, Trump remarked on the vulnerabilities of the Cuban economy, asserting that the island nation is on the brink of collapse due to its reliance on Venezuelan oil. He expressed confidence that the current situation would be welcomed by many within the Cuban American community.
As unrest continues to simmer in both nations, the ramifications of this military intervention remain uncertain, further straining Cuban-Venezuelan relations and intensifying scrutiny on U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.
