US Operation in Venezuela Kills 32 Cuban Officers, Captures Nicolás Maduro
An American military operation in Venezuela has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers, according to a statement from the Cuban government. This announcement was made following a series of U.S. strikes over the weekend, marking the first official casualty numbers provided by Cuba.
Details of the Operation
The operation was conducted as part of a broader effort to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who face serious charges of narco-terrorism. The Cuban officers were reportedly in Venezuela to assist its military at the request of the government, although their specific activities were not clarified.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the operation, indicating that there were significant casualties among Cuban forces, while asserting that there were no American losses. He stated, “You know, a lot of Cubans were killed yesterday. There was a lot of death on the other side.”
Response from Cuban Government
In response to the incident, Cuba declared two days of mourning for the officers lost during the operation. Senior leaders, including former President Raúl Castro and current President Miguel Díaz-Canel, expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
- The Cuban officers were involved in operations supporting the Venezuelan military.
- No specific names or ranks of the deceased officers have been released yet.
- The Cuban statement described the officers as having acted with “dignity and heroism.”
Political Implications
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the role of Cuban forces in Venezuela’s internal security, asserting their significant influence in bolstering Maduro’s regime. He noted that Maduro’s security apparatus is largely composed of Cuban personnel.
This military operation signals escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, impacting diplomatic relations and raising concerns about foreign military involvement in the region.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with eyes on potential ramifications for U.S.-Cuba relations as well as regional stability.
