> At a Glance
> – 32 Cuban soldiers reportedly died during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, according to Havana
> – Victims include 17 Ministry of Interior officers and 11 Revolutionary Armed Forces members aged 26-67
> – Cuba declared two days of national mourning and vows official ceremonies for the dead
> – Why it matters: If confirmed, it would mark the largest single loss of Cuban military personnel abroad in decades and escalates U.S.-Cuba tensions
Cuba’s Communist Party claims 32 Cuban soldiers were killed while conducting security missions in Venezuela during what it calls a U.S. military strike that also resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s capture, though Washington has not confirmed any operation.
Havana’s Version of Events
A party statement posted Tuesday on social media branded the incident “a new criminal act of aggression and state terrorism” by the United States against Venezuela and its allies.
Granma, Cuba’s state-run newspaper, said the troops were coordinating with Venezuelan authorities on defense-related tasks when the strike occurred. The government has pledged official commemorations and extended condolences to each family from senior party and military leaders.
The Casualties
State media released the names, ranks, and ages of the dead:
- Ministry of Interior – 17 officers, including Col. Humberto Alfonso Roca Sánchez (67) and Capt. Addriel Adrián Socarrás Tamayo (32)
- Revolutionary Armed Forces – 11 personnel, among them Capt. Adrián Pérez Beades (34) and Lt. Fernando Antonio Báez Hidalgo (26)
| Agency | Count | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Interior | 17 | 30-67 |
| Revolutionary Armed Forces | 11 | 26-59 |
National Response
The Council of State decreed two days of national mourning. Flags will fly at half-staff and public events are suspended while official ceremonies honor the dead.
Key Takeaways
- Cuba asserts its forces were in Venezuela on legitimate security cooperation
- The party statement labels U.S. action “state terrorism” without providing visual evidence
- Families have been officially notified and will receive state support
- Havana has previously denied direct military involvement in Venezuela despite repeated outside claims
The declaration comes amid long-standing international scrutiny over Cuba’s role in Venezuela, spotlighting the risks faced by its personnel abroad.
