Cuba reports 32 citizens killed in US operation in Venezuela

WISE NEWS PRESS / CARACAS, VENEZUELA

The Cuban government has announced that 32 of its citizens were killed during the United States military operation that led to the apprehension of controversial Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In an official statement broadcast on state television Sunday, Havana characterized the event as a "criminal attack" by the US government. The victims were identified as members of the Cuban Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, who had been deployed to Caracas at the request of the Venezuelan government. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared two days of national mourning for those killed while fighting against what he described as "terrorists in imperialist uniforms."

Trump confirms Cuban casualties during raid

US President Donald Trump addressed the Cuban fatalities during a press conference regarding the military raid, confirming that "a large number of Cubans were killed" while attempting to protect Maduro. Trump noted that Cuba has long been dependent on Venezuela for financial support in exchange for providing security services. Following the operation, the US President stated he does not currently anticipate further military action against Cuba, suggesting that the economically weakened nation is already facing a potential collapse.

Conflicting reports on total death toll

While the US successfully transported Nicolas Maduro and his wife to New York to face "narco-terrorism" charges, the official total number of casualties from the raid remains unconfirmed. Discrepancies persist among various sources; a medical NGO told AFP that 70 people were killed and 90 injured, while military sources suggested at least 15 fatalities. Conversely, The New York Times, citing government circles, reported that the death toll could be as high as 80. President Trump emphasized that no US citizens were killed during the mission.

Background on Cuba-Venezuela alliance

Cuba and Venezuela have maintained a close strategic partnership for decades, bonded by shared socialist ideologies and a mutual stance against US economic sanctions. Experts estimate that Cuban security forces have been active in Venezuela for years, with reports indicating that Maduro’s personal security detail consisted primarily of Cuban personnel. This alliance remains a cornerstone of regional geopolitics, with Venezuela providing critical economic aid to Havana in the form of oil and financial subsidies.

Cuban personnel deployed in Caracas reportedly engaged in direct combat or were killed during US aerial bombardments. 

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