Havana has reported that 32 Cuban nationals were killed during the US military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
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In a statement read on national television, the Cuban government described the raid as a “criminal attack carried out by the government of the United States” and said the deceased were members of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior. They were reportedly on missions “at the request of counterpart agencies” in Venezuela.
Cuba announced that 32 of the 80 casualties in the U.S. operation in Caracas were Cuban security and intelligence personnel.
That’s pretty telling. Cubans hired as muscle to protect the kingpin. Cuba is gonna feel the heat pretty soon too. pic.twitter.com/7xja39thnT
— Chaya’s Clan (@ChayasClan) January 5, 2026
Cuba’s statement said the soldiers “fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombings” conducted by US forces.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel paid tribute to the fallen, writing on X: “Honor and glory to the brave Cuban fighters who fell facing terrorists in imperial uniform.”
Havana has declared two days of national mourning starting Monday and pledged to organize tributes for the deceased.
The operation in Caracas on Saturday saw US forces extract Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are set to face charges of drug trafficking and terrorism in a New York court. The raid has sparked international concern, particularly in Latin America, over the legality and repercussions of US military actions in the region.
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Cuban officials have called the incident a direct affront to Cuban personnel assisting Venezuela, highlighting the geopolitical tensions arising from Washington’s intervention.