The Cuban government unveiled the identities, ranks, and ages of the 32 Cuban military members who lost their lives during the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The fallen individuals, including colonels, lieutenants, majors, captains, and reserve soldiers, were aged between 26 and 60.
These military personnel were affiliated with Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, the country’s primary security entities. Although the details of their assignments and circumstances of their deaths were not specified, Cuban state media released their profiles and portraits, showcasing them in their olive-green military attire.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez asserted on Tuesday that Cubans were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend their nation against any U.S. intervention following the events surrounding Maduro’s capture in Venezuela.
Acknowledging the tragic loss of their personnel in Venezuela, Cuban authorities paid tribute to their fallen compatriots for their brave resistance against the attackers. The fallen officers were part of agreements between Cuba and Venezuela, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
As Cuba mourned the loss of its military members, details about the deceased officers began to surface, shedding light on their dedication to their duty and the values they stood for. The strong alliance between Cuba and Venezuela encompassed various agreements in sectors such as security and energy, with subsidized oil sales to Cuba dating back to 2000.
In the aftermath of the incident, international reactions varied, with the U.S. Ambassador emphasizing that the U.S. had not invaded Venezuela but carried out a targeted operation against a criminal figure. The Ambassador reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to supporting a better and democratic future for Venezuela, emphasizing the need for positive change in the country.
The Organization of American States held a special meeting where concerns were raised about the violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty due to the military action. Representatives from various countries condemned the unilateral intervention, citing it as a breach of international law and setting a concerning precedent.