In brief
The Cuban government has confirmed the deaths of 32 of its nationals during a US military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Cuban nationals were reportedly members of armed forces and intelligence agencies, allegedly killed during confrontations. The incident has prompted national mourning in Cuba as tensions between the US, Venezuela, and Cuba escalate.
The Cuban government says 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
It described the dead as members of its armed forces and intelligence agencies were killed in combat actions, declaring two days of national mourning.
The armed forces added the Cubans fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombardments of installations.
Cuba, a long-standing ally of Venezuela, has for years supplied Maduro with his personal security detail and has personnel throughout the Venezuelan military.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel mentioned that the country had been providing protection to Maduro and his wife at the request of Venezuela.
US spies had been monitoring Maduro's movements for months before US forces struck, as indicated by US General Dan Caine, with the CIA reportedly recruiting a Venezuelan source who informed them of Maduro's exact location.
Many of those killed are believed to have been part of Maduro's close security detail. Venezuela has not confirmed how many people were killed, but its armed forces have stated that a large part of Maduro's security team were among the casualties.
The Cuban government issued a statement declaring: Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism. The total death toll stands at 80, according to an unnamed Venezuelan official cited by the New York Times.
In the aftermath of this military action, questions have emerged regarding potential US intentions toward Cuba. President Trump remarked that military action would not be necessary against Cuba, suggesting it is on the brink of collapse.
Notably, the US administration has maintained a longstanding economic embargo against Cuba, which has been upheld despite international calls for its cessation.
