Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel waves Venezuelan and Cuban national flags during a rally in Havana, Saturday, Jan 3, 2026.
Cuba has confirmed that 32 of its military and police officers were killed during a US operation in Venezuela.
The announcement marks the first official death toll released by Havana following the American strikes.
The incident has intensified regional tensions and drawn global attention to Cuba’s role in Venezuela.
The Cuban government made the disclosure on Sunday night through a statement broadcast on state television.
Officials said the officers were deployed in Venezuela at the request of its government.
They were part of an ongoing security and defense mission, though details remain limited.
Cuba’s Role in Venezuela Comes Under Focus
Cuba has long been a close ally of Venezuela’s leadership.
For years, it has sent military advisers and police personnel to assist Caracas.
These forces are believed to support intelligence, security, and internal defense operations.
However, Cuban authorities did not clarify the exact tasks the officers were performing.
They also withheld the names and ranks of those killed.
Rumors of Cuban casualties had circulated across the island throughout the weekend.
The confirmation ended speculation but raised fresh questions.
It also highlighted the deep military cooperation between the two nations.
This relationship has frequently drawn criticism from Washington.
Details of the US Operation in Venezuela
The US operation in Venezuela took place on Saturday.
According to US officials, the mission targeted Venezuela’s top leadership.
President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized during the operation.
They now face prosecution under an indictment alleging a narco-terrorism conspiracy.
American authorities described the mission as decisive and successful.
They also claimed there were no US casualties.
President Donald Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.
He acknowledged heavy losses on the opposing side.
“There was a lot of death on the other side,” Trump said.
Venezuela’s government admitted that fatalities occurred.
However, it did not provide a confirmed death count.
Officials also declined to comment on Cuban losses.
Mourning and Official Reactions in Cuba
Cuba declared two days of national mourning for the fallen officers.
Flags were ordered lowered across the country.
State media praised the officers’ actions and sacrifice.
Former president Raúl Castro and President Miguel Díaz-Canel sent condolences.
They expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.
Both leaders hailed the officers as heroes.
An official statement described intense combat conditions.
It said the officers resisted fiercely against the attackers.
Some died in direct clashes, while others perished in airstrikes.
The statement emphasized duty, dignity, and loyalty.
It framed the deaths as a defense of national and allied security.
The language reflected Cuba’s long-standing revolutionary rhetoric.
US Officials Highlight Cuban Influence
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the situation.
He pointed directly to Cuban involvement in Venezuela’s security apparatus.
Rubio said Cuban officers play a central role in protecting Maduro.
According to Rubio, Cuba oversees Venezuela’s internal intelligence structures.
He claimed Cuban personnel help sustain Maduro’s grip on power.
These remarks echoed long-held US allegations.
The US operation in Venezuela has now shifted diplomatic narratives.
It has exposed the scale of foreign involvement in the country.
It has also increased scrutiny on Cuba’s regional influence.
Regional Tensions Set to Rise
The deaths of Cuban officers may reshape regional diplomacy.
Latin American governments are watching developments closely.
International reactions are expected in the coming days.
As details remain scarce, uncertainty persists.
What is clear is the growing complexity of the Venezuela crisis.
The US operation in Venezuela has left lasting consequences beyond its borders.
