At a Glance
- 32 Cuban officers were killed in U.S. strikes in Venezuela over the weekend.
- Cuba declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers.
- The U.S. operation also seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Why it matters: The incident heightens regional tensions and underscores Cuba’s active role in Venezuelan security.
An American military strike in Venezuela resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban military and police officers, the Cuban government confirmed on Sunday. The casualties were part of a mission Cuba was carrying out at Venezuela’s request, though the exact purpose remains unclear. Rumors of the deaths had already circulated on the island before the official announcement.
U.S. Strike Details
The U.S. operation on Saturday seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to face prosecution on an indictment accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. While Venezuela’s government acknowledged that a number of people died in the blasts, it did not specify the exact count.
- 32 Cuban officers killed
- Two days of mourning declared by Cuba
- Operation targeted Maduro and his wife
Cuban Response and Statements
Former President Raúl Castro and President Miguel Díaz-Canel sent condolences to the families of the deceased, but the names and positions of the fallen were not disclosed. The official statement said:
> “Faithful… 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 of the facilities.”
U.S. President Donald Trump remarked on Air Force One:
> “You know, a lot of Cubans were killed yesterday.”
> “There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Cuban involvement in Venezuela’s security apparatus:
> “All the guards that help protect Maduro – this is well known – their whole spy agency, all that were full of Cubans.”
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Military involvement | Cuban officers were on a mission requested by Venezuela |
| Casualty count | 32 officers confirmed killed |
| U.S. action | Seizure of Maduro and his wife |
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. strike killed 32 Cuban officers, prompting Cuba’s mourning declaration.
- Venezuela’s government confirmed deaths but withheld specific numbers.
- U.S. officials emphasized the absence of U.S. casualties and highlighted Cuban support for Maduro.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the significant role Cuba plays in the region’s security dynamics.
