Havana: Cuba announced that 32 of its combatants were killed during a US military operation described by Washington as a 'large-scale strike,' which led to the capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared January 5 and 6 as national days of mourning to honor the combatants who, he stated, executed their duties with honor and demonstrated resistance reflecting Cuba's commitment to international solidarity.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the Cuban government reported that those killed were on official missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior. They were deployed at the request of Venezuelan authorities as part of bilateral cooperation. Venezuela also paid tribute to the fallen combatants, with the Caracas government honoring the 32 Cubans who died while fulfilling their duties in cooperation and defense missions.
US President Donald Trump noted that a significant number of Cuban security personnel tasked with protecting Maduro were killed during the operation. Following the raid, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained in New York and are currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. US authorities have charged the couple with federal offenses related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs designated as terrorist organizations.
Maduro has denied these allegations, and Venezuelan officials have demanded the immediate release of the couple, labeling the operation illegal and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.