Cuba Declares Two Days of Mourning After 32 Citizens Killed in U.S. Raid That Captured Maduro
Havana condemns the operation as “state terrorism” as Trump asserts U.S. control over Venezuela and its oil resources.
- Cuba reports that 32 of its citizens were killed during the U.S. military raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
- President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will temporarily run Venezuela and leverage its oil resources
- Cuba called the operation a “criminal act of aggression and state terrorism”
Cuba has announced two days of national mourning following the deaths of 32 of its citizens during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel made the announcement on Sunday, saying the Cuban personnel died while resisting a large-scale U.S. attack. The victims had been deployed to Venezuela at the request of its authorities, carrying out official missions for Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior.
“They fell while resisting the attack, some in direct combat and others as a result of bombings,” Díaz-Canel said, adding that their actions reflected fierce resistance, national unity, and Cuba’s commitment to international solidarity.
Under a presidential decree, Monday and Tuesday are declared national days of mourning. Flags will fly at half-staff, public performances and festive events will be suspended, and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Cuba has historically been a close ally of Venezuela, sending military and police personnel to assist in the country’s operations. Venezuela’s government also paid tribute, stating it “honors the 32 Cuban combatants who gave their lives fulfilling their duty in cooperation and defense missions.”
Maduro and Flores were flown to New York after the raid and are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, facing federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with designated terrorist gangs. The 63-year-old Maduro is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. He has previously denied any criminal involvement.
Images of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed by U.S. forces have sparked outrage among many Venezuelans.
Venezuelan Defence Minister General Vladimir Padrino said the operation killed soldiers, civilians, and a large part of Maduro’s security detail “in cold blood.” He added, “The armed forces have been activated to guarantee sovereignty.”
