Cuba has issued a strong condemnation of the United States following a large-scale U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, and the deaths of 32 Cuban nationals serving in Venezuela.
Havana has described the operation as a grave violation of international law and sovereignty, declaring a period of national mourning in honour of those killed, all of whom were confirmed to be members of Cuba’s armed forces and security services.
Speaking from Castries, Cuban Ambassador to Saint Lucia Yenielys Linares sharply criticised the operation, characterising the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as an act of aggression.
“We have condemned, energetically, what happened in Venezuela with the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife and also the invasion of that country,” Linares said, underscoring Cuba’s firm official position.
The ambassador also expressed deep concern about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Cuban personnel, noting that details remain unclear.
“Thirty-two Cubans died there. We don’t have any information about where is the product. Of course they decided to take it, but we need to know about the crew, the tripulation there,” she stated, highlighting Havana’s focus on accountability and transparency.
According to official Cuban government statements and state media reports, the fallen nationals were deployed in support roles tied to Venezuela’s security apparatus. Cuban media described them as having “fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism.” Flags across the island have since been lowered as part of the official mourning period.
The incident has intensified regional and global tensions, drawing responses from major international actors. Both Russia and China have publicly aligned with Venezuela’s position, condemning what they describe as unilateral U.S. military action and calling for respect for national sovereignty and international norms.
Venezuela’s acting authorities have also declared a week of mourning for Venezuelan military personnel killed during the operation, further underscoring the scale of the confrontation and its human cost.
The United States has maintained that the operation was conducted to hold Maduro accountable for criminal charges filed against him in U.S. courts, a position firmly rejected by Caracas and its allies.
As diplomatic tensions continue to unfold, Ambassador Linares signalled that formal engagement between governments and diplomatic missions is expected in the coming days.
“Those are actions that need to be done between the embassies, between the governments,” she said, pointing to ongoing diplomatic processes as the region closely watches the next phase of developments.
