HAVANA — Over the weekend, a US military strike in Venezuela resulted in the death of 32 Cuban military personnel, as confirmed by the Cuban government on Sunday. This incident marks the first official report of Cuban casualties following the American military actions in the nation.
Mission Details
The deceased Cuban military and police officers were part of a mission directed by the Cuban military, which was undertaken at the behest of the Venezuelan government. The announcement was made during a broadcast on Cuban state television on Sunday evening.
The specifics of the Cuban officers’ activities in Venezuela remain unclear, despite Cuba’s longstanding alliance with Venezuela and its history of deploying military and police support. Throughout the weekend, rumors about the fatalities had been circulating across Cuba.
President Donald Trump commented on the incident to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return flight from Florida to Washington on Sunday night, saying, “You know, a lot of Cubans were killed yesterday. There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.”
Context of the Operation
The operation conducted by the US on Saturday was aimed at apprehending Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are both accused of engaging in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
While the Venezuelan government has recognized that the American offensive resulted in several deaths, it has not provided a specific casualty count to The Associated Press.
National Mourning and Condolences
In response to the tragedy, the Cuban government has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen officers. Former Cuban president and revolutionary icon Raúl Castro, along with current President Miguel Díaz-Canel, have issued condolences to the families of the deceased. The identities and exact roles of the deceased have not yet been released by Cuban authorities.
According to an official statement, “Faithful to their duties in security and defense, our compatriots carried out their responsibilities with dignity and heroism. They faced their end with fierce resistance, either in direct combat or as a result of the bombings.”
Commentary on Cuban Involvement
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, also highlighted the Cuban presence in Venezuela over the weekend. He pointed out that the Cuban personnel were integral to Maduro’s internal security operations, effectively sustaining his regime.
Rubio stated, “All the guards that help protect Maduro — this is well known — their whole spy agency, all that were full of Cubans.”
This report included contributions from Associated Press reporters Megan Janetsky in Mexico City and Darlene Superville aboard Air Force One.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
