Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has announced that 32 Cuban citizens, including military bodyguards and intelligence personnel, were killed in Caracas while attempting to protect Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from U.S. soldiers. The incident reportedly involved Cuban personnel intervening in the midst of a tense situation between Venezuelan authorities and U.S. forces.
Díaz-Canel described the fallen individuals as heroes and emphasized their commitment to supporting the Venezuelan government. In response to the losses, he declared two days of national mourning across Cuba, honoring those who lost their lives in what he characterized as an act of sacrifice.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain complex, with differing accounts on the events leading to the casualties. The Cuban government has not provided detailed information about the specific events or the involvement of foreign forces. International reactions have varied, with some governments urging calm and dialogue, while others have called for further clarity regarding the incident.
This development underscores ongoing tensions in the region, particularly amid ongoing U.S.-Cuba and U.S.-Venezuela relations. The situation continues to evolve as authorities from Cuba and Venezuela assess the event and its implications for regional stability.