In a solemn national tribute, Cuba has honored 32 military personnel who died during duty in Venezuela with posthumous promotions. The decision was announced hours before public commemorations began for the fallen soldiers, recognizing their service with what authorities described as “a fitting and well-deserved tribute.
The remains of the deceased personnel arrived at José Martí International Airport in Havana at dawn on Thursday, where an official reception ceremony was led by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The military honors ceremony marked the return of the soldiers who perished on January 3, 2026, during what Cuban media characterized as “an attack on Venezuela by the United States.”
Following the airport ceremony, a funeral procession transported the remains to the Ministry of the Armed Forces headquarters, where public tributes commenced at 10 a.m. The Cuban government has declared nationwide commemorations, with Havana holding ceremonies on Thursday followed by provincial and municipal tributes across the country on Friday.
The incident represents one of the most significant military losses for Cuba in recent years and highlights the country’s ongoing military cooperation with Venezuela. The posthumous promotions reflect the government’s commitment to honoring those who die in service to Cuba’s international military missions.