Cuban authorities announce national mourning
The Cuban government said on Sunday that 32 Cuban citizens were killed during a United States military raid in Venezuela aimed at extracting President Nicolás Maduro for prosecution in the US. Havana announced two days of national mourning on January 5 and 6 to honour those who lost their lives, while officials said funeral arrangements would be disclosed separately.
In an official statement, the Cuban government provided limited operational details but confirmed that all those killed were members of Cuba’s armed forces and intelligence services. According to the statement, the personnel were deployed in security and defence roles and died while resisting the attack or as a result of bombardments on targeted facilities. Authorities said the fallen personnel demonstrated dignity and bravery while carrying out their duties under intense combat conditions.
Cuba has maintained a long-standing security relationship with Venezuela, particularly since Maduro assumed power. However, officials did not clarify how many Cuban personnel were directly involved in protecting the Venezuelan president at the time of the raid or whether others were stationed at different locations across the country.
Maduro transferred to US custody
Meanwhile, US forces seized President Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on Saturday before flying them to the United States. Authorities placed Maduro in a New York detention facility, where he is expected to appear in court on Monday to face drug-related charges.
The United States indicted Maduro in 2020 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. However, he has consistently rejected the allegations and denied any involvement in criminal activities. As investigations continue, international reaction remains cautious, while regional tensions show signs of further escalation.
