Cuba condemns U.S. after 32 Nationals killed in Venezuela raid

Cuba has accused the United States of killing 32 of its nationals during a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, a claim that has further escalated tensions following the dramatic removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement on Monday, the Cuban government said the victims were Cuban military and security officers stationed in Venezuela under bilateral cooperation agreements with the Maduro administration. Havana said the officers were killed while carrying out their official duties during what it described as a U.S. “armed aggression” on Venezuelan territory.

Cuban authorities announced two days of national mourning to honour those killed, praising them as having “fulfilled their mission with loyalty and courage.” President Miguel Díaz-Canel and former leader Raúl Castro both expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, though no further details were provided about the identities or ranks of the officers.

The accusation follows a high-profile U.S. operation over the weekend in which American forces entered Venezuela and extracted Maduro, who was flown to the United States to face criminal charges. U.S. officials have described the mission as a targeted operation aimed at dismantling what Washington calls a narco-terror network linked to the Venezuelan leadership.

While the United States has not disputed that Cuban personnel were killed, it has pushed back against Havana’s characterization of the incident. U.S. officials said Cuban security operatives were deeply embedded within Venezuela’s intelligence and presidential protection units and were directly involved in defending the Maduro government during the operation.

The development has drawn sharp reactions across the region. Venezuela’s remaining authorities have condemned the U.S. action as a violation of national sovereignty and demanded Maduro’s return. Several Latin American governments and international actors have also raised concerns about the legality of the intervention, warning it could further destabilize the region.

The deaths underscore Cuba’s long-standing involvement in Venezuela’s security apparatus and highlight the risks of its close alliance with Caracas. Analysts say Havana’s public acknowledgment of the casualties signals the seriousness of the confrontation and could harden Cuba’s stance against Washington in the days ahead.

As diplomatic fallout continues, the situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with uncertainty over governance, security and the broader regional impact of the U.S. operation.