Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected US statements against Cuba following the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in which 32 Cubans died. Cubans in various provinces demonstrated support for Venezuela, denouncing the US aggression. Cuba declared national mourning for the victims.
On January 3, 2026, US forces conducted an operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro, resulting in the deaths of 32 Cubans who were providing military assistance, specifically in protecting Venezuelan leaders. Reports indicate that Cubans were on Venezuelan soil not only for literacy, medical, or sports programs but also for military support, a practice that intensified after the failed 2002 coup against Hugo Chávez.
President Díaz-Canel condemned the 'immoral statements' by the US government against Cuba and reaffirmed the country's readiness to defend itself. In a speech, he proclaimed he would shed his blood for Maduro, though the Venezuelan government initially remained silent on casualties, eventually reporting 24 total deaths—eight fewer than the Cuban figure.
Cubans in various provinces continued demonstrations supporting Venezuela, denouncing the US aggression and the kidnapping of Maduro. The US operation suffered no casualties, while the opposing side exceeded 50 victims, according to sources. Cuba declared national mourning and spoke of heroism, contrasting with criticisms of the sacrifice in vain.
Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez promised a thorough investigation into the January 3 events. The situation echoes past incidents, such as the 1983 intervention in Grenada, where Cubans were caught in confrontations. No direct contradictions appear in main sources, though casualty figures vary slightly between Cuban and Venezuelan reports.