Cuba has confirmed the deaths of 32 military personnel in what it describes as a “criminal act of aggression and state terrorism” by the United States government against Venezuelan territory. The incident occurred during early hours of January 3, 2026, when Cuban combatants were reportedly conducting security operations at the request of Venezuelan authorities.
According to official statements from the Cuban government, the deceased personnel were serving with the Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior on cooperative defense missions in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The casualties resulted from both direct combat engagements with American forces and aerial bombardment of military facilities where Cuban troops were stationed.
The Cuban government emphasized that its personnel demonstrated “dignity and heroism” during what it characterized as fierce resistance against the attackers. Following verification procedures, all affected families have been notified and have received personal condolences from Cuban leadership, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
The Revolutionary Government has announced plans to organize appropriate memorial actions to honor the fallen combatants, whom they describe as having embodied the solidarity principles valued by millions of Cubans. This incident represents a significant escalation in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States.