HAVANA (AP) – An American military operation in Venezuela resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers, according to an official statement from the Cuban government on Sunday night. This marked the first formal acknowledgment of casualties from the American strikes, which took place over the weekend.
The Cuban military and police officers were reportedly on a mission in Venezuela at the invitation of the Venezuelan government. Although the specific nature of their operation remained unclear, it is known that Cuba has historically been a close ally of Venezuela, providing military and police support for various initiatives over the years. Speculations about the fatalities circulated on the island prior to the official announcement.
U.S. President Donald Trump, while addressing reporters aboard Air Force One, confirmed that a significant number of Cubans were killed during the operation. He stated, “You know, a lot of Cubans were killed yesterday. There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.” This remark highlighted the perceived lack of American casualties in the military engagement.
Details regarding the American operation disclosed that it was aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who face serious accusations in a narco-terrorism conspiracy indictment. Although the Venezuelan government acknowledged that deaths had occurred due to the American strikes, it did not provide a specific death toll when contacted by The Associated Press.
In light of the incident, the Cuban government declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers. Both former president Raúl Castro and current President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. However, the Cuban authorities have yet to release the names and official ranks of the deceased.
The Cuban government’s statement emphasized the officers’ commitment to their duties, asserting that they “fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism” and that they died after engaging fiercely with their attackers or as a result of the bombs directed at their facilities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, also commented on the event, underscoring the involvement of Cubans in the security apparatus of Maduro’s regime. He noted that the entirety of Maduro's internal security framework is comprised overwhelmingly of Cuban nationals, who have been instrumental in propping up the Venezuelan government against external and internal challenges.
Rubio stated, “All the guards that help protect Maduro – this is well known – their whole spy agency, all that were full of Cubans.” His remarks pointed to the entrenched relationship between the two countries, particularly concerning Cuba’s aid in maintaining Maduro’s grip on power in Venezuela.
This tragic incident has brought renewed focus on the complex interconnections between Cuba and Venezuela, particularly in the context of military and governmental relationships. The repercussions of the American operation may have wider implications for diplomatic ties and international relations in the region.
