The Cuban government has confirmed that 32 of its nationals were killed during a US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The deceased were identified as members of Cuba's armed forces and intelligence agencies, with the Cuban government declaring two days of national mourning.
A brief statement released did not specify the exact roles of the Cubans in Venezuela, but it is known that the two nations have a historic alliance wherein Cuba provides security resources in exchange for oil. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel emphasized that the Cuban nationals had been safeguarding Maduro and his wife at the request of the Venezuelan government.
According to an official government statement, these compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism, indicating that they were engaged in direct combat against attackers or were victims of bombings on military facilities.
Currently, Venezuela has not publicly confirmed the overall death toll from the attacks on Maduro's compound in Caracas, but reports from The New York Times, citing an anonymous Venezuelan official, suggest a death toll of around 80, which may increase as more details emerge.
Amid the fallout from the operation, speculation arises regarding the US's potential military strategies against other nations such as Cuba. President Donald Trump remarked that military action might not be necessary regarding Cuba, suggesting that the regime is on the brink of collapse.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing the situation, characterized Cuba as a “disaster” ruled by ineffective leaders, urging those in the Havana government to be wary.
The incident follows Trump’s previous efforts to tighten restrictions on Cuba, reversing his predecessor's policies aimed at easing diplomatic tensions.
Trump's administration continues to uphold a long-standing economic embargo imposed on Cuba since 1962, despite international calls for its termination.
