Tragedy Strikes: 32 Cubans Lose Lives in US Attack on Venezuela

Thu Jan 08 2026 07:53:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cuban government reports that 32 nationals died during a US military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, escalating tensions between the nations.

In a recent military operation, the US strike has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban military personnel involved in protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Cuban government has declared two days of mourning for the fallen, who were said to have fought fiercely against US forces. This attack raises significant political implications as both nations continue to grapple with adversarial relationships and escalating tensions.

The Cuban government says 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

It described the dead as members of its armed forces and intelligence agencies who were killed in combat actions, declaring two days of national mourning.

The armed forces added the Cubans fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombardments of installations.

Cuba, a long-standing ally of Venezuela, has for years supplied Maduro with his personal security detail and has personnel throughout the Venezuelan military.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the country had been providing protection to Maduro and his wife at the request of Venezuela.

US spies had been monitoring Maduro's movements for months prior to the strike, according to US General Dan Caine, who stated that the team had learned of Maduro's habits, residences, and daily routines.

The New York Times reported the CIA had identified a Venezuelan informant who disclosed Maduro's exact location.

Many of those killed are thought to have been part of Maduro's elite security team. Venezuela's armed forces have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties but acknowledged that many of Maduro's guards were among the dead.

An official statement from Havana claimed, Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism.

The total death toll, according to an unnamed Venezuelan official, is estimated at 80 and likely to rise, although this report remains unsubstantiated by BBC News.

The ramifications of this attack prompt speculation about potential US actions towards Cuba. US President Donald Trump remarked that military intervention would not be needed since he believes Cuba is ready to fall.

Recent comments from Trump's administration indicate continued aggressive measures against Cuba, highlighted by the reaffirmation of economic restrictions initially imposed decades ago.