Tragic US Airstrike Leads to Death of 32 Cubans in Venezuela

Wed Jan 07 2026 08:08:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent US military operation in Venezuela targeting Nicolás Maduro, 32 Cuban nationals have lost their lives. The Cuban government declared a national mourning period while questions arise over the implications for US-Cuba relations.

The Cuban government reported that 32 of its nationals were killed in a US operation against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated these individuals were providing security support at Venezuela's request. The attack has sparked widespread concern and mourning in Cuba, raising questions about future US actions towards the island nation.

The Cuban government has said 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

It said the dead were members of its armed forces and intelligence agencies, with two days of national mourning declared.

A short statement did not elaborate on the role of the Cubans in Venezuela, but the two governments are long-standing allies, with Cuba providing security support in exchange for oil.

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

An official government statement read: Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on the facilities.

Venezuela has not confirmed how many people were killed during the US raid on Maduro's compound in Caracas on Saturday. The New York Times, citing an unnamed Venezuelan official, reported that the death toll stood at 80 and was expected to rise.

In the days following the capture of Maduro, questions have been raised over whether the Trump administration could consider a similar operation against Cuba, which has had adversarial relations with the US for decades.

Speaking to reporters, US President Donald Trump mentioned military action might not be necessary as Cuba is ready to fall.

The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for US-Cuba relations as tensions escalate.