Cuba Observes Mourning for Military Personnel After U.S. Operation
Cuba’s government has announced a two-day mourning period to commemorate 32 military members who were reportedly killed during a U.S. law enforcement operation in Caracas. This operation was intended to apprehend Nicolás Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela.
The official Cuban Communist Party publication, Granma, stated that these military personnel were “fulfilling a mission on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior as requested by authorities in Venezuela” at the time of their deaths. This operation took place on Saturday.
“Our compatriots demonstrated their commitment to security and defense with bravery and dignity, falling after fierce resistance in direct combat and as a result of attacks on their facilities,” the article detailed.
According to a proclamation from President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the mourning will commence at 6 a.m. local time on Monday and conclude at the end of Tuesday. He asserted that Cuban troops were providing “assistance” to ensure Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were protected.
Díaz-Canel expressed on social media, “Honor and glory to the courageous Cuban fighters who defended our allies against those who attempted to kidnap the Venezuelan president and his wife. At the request of our neighboring countries, we supported efforts to safeguard their lives.”
For years, the Castro regime has maintained significant influence over Venezuela, bolstered by Nicolás Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Various reports have highlighted how Cuba has aided its ideological partner in reshaping Venezuela’s intelligence and security operations, thereby establishing a harsh repressive system.
In discussing the U.S. operation, former President Donald Trump mentioned the Cuban casualties, indicating he was uncertain about the specific numbers of Cuban and Venezuelan troops who had died.
“Cuba has always been quite reliant on Venezuela, receiving funds for protection, but this time things didn’t work out well,” Trump remarked, indicating concern over the recent developments.
“Many Cubans lost their lives last night while trying to protect Maduro. That was a poor decision,” he added.
