The Cuban government has reported that 32 of its nationals were killed during a US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
These individuals were members of Cuba's armed forces and intelligence agencies, leading to two days of national mourning declared in Cuba.
While the details surrounding the Cubans' involvement in Venezuela remain sparse, it is well-known that Cuba has provided military and intelligence support to the Venezuelan government for years, in exchange for oil.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that they had been sent to protect Maduro and his family “at the request” of the Venezuelan leadership.
An official government statement from Cuba declared, “Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on the facilities.”
Venezuela has not confirmed the total number of casualties from the strike that targeted Maduro's compound in Caracas over the weekend.
The New York Times reported, based on unnamed officials, that casualties could number up to 80, but this remains unverified by other sources.
The incident has sparked speculation about the possibility of US military actions against Cuba, with recent comments from US officials highlighting the strained relations.
President Donald Trump remarked that military action against Cuba may not be necessary as he predicts imminent changes in the Cuban political landscape. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the Cuban government, expressing concerns for its future.
Historically, the US has maintained economic sanctions on Cuba since the embargo's initiation in 1962, despite international calls for its end.
