Havana, Jan 05 (V7N)- The Cuban government has confirmed that at least 32 members of its armed forces and intelligence services were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela. The announcement was made on Monday (January 5) and reported by BBC News.

Cuba stated that all of the deceased were members of its military and intelligence units, who were reportedly assisting in the security of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife at the request of the Venezuelan government.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed that the personnel died with dignity and heroism during direct confrontations, resisting the US operation. A government statement said,
"Our compatriots died with dignity and heroism while carrying out their duties. They were killed in direct confrontation after fierce resistance."

In response to the incident, Cuba has declared two days of national mourning. The brief government statement did not provide detailed information on the nature of Cuban involvement in Venezuela but noted that the two countries are long-standing allies, with Cuba providing security assistance in exchange for oil.

The arrests of Maduro and his wife have sparked speculation about potential US operations against Cuba. When asked about the possibility on Sunday, US President Donald Trump dismissed the idea, stating that “Cuba is on the verge of collapse”. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized the Cuban government, labeling it a “failed state.”

The incident has intensified geopolitical tensions in the region, raising concerns over US-Cuba relations and the presence of foreign military personnel in Venezuela.

END/SMA/AJ