Cuba announces 2-day state mourning for 32 fighters killed in US raid in Caracas

Cuba has confirmed for the first time that 32 of its citizens were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, aimed at detaining President Nicolas Maduro.

According to a report by Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, the Cuban government announced on Sunday (January 4) that two days of state mourning will be observed nationwide on January 5 and 6 in memory of those killed. Details of funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Cuba’s state news agency Prensa Latina said the deceased Cuban “fighters” were killed while carrying out a mission in support of Venezuela’s security forces at the request of the Maduro government.

The agency claimed they died either in direct clashes after putting up strong resistance or as a result of bombings on military installations.

With this announcement, Havana has formally acknowledged Cuban casualties in the operation for the first time. Cuba has long been a close ally of Venezuela and has previously deployed military and police personnel to assist Caracas in security and defense-related missions.

Following the operation, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were detained on Saturday and taken to New York, where they are facing trial on drug-related charges. Maduro has denied the allegations. He is scheduled to appear before a US court on Monday.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the operation resulted in “significant casualties on the opposing side” but claimed there were no losses among US forces. He acknowledged that many of those killed were Cuban nationals.

Trump also said a separate military strike on Cuba was unnecessary, arguing that the country is already facing severe economic collapse. He added that the loss of Venezuela’s oil-dependent support has pushed Cuba to the brink of further instability.