32 Cubans Killed During U.S. Operation in Venezuela, Cuban Government Reports
Overview of the Incident
The Cuban government has officially reported that 32 Cuban nationals were killed during a recent U.S. military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation took place in the early hours of January 3, 2026, and was labeled a “criminal attack” by Cuban officials.
According to the Cuban government’s statement, the deceased were engaged in missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, responding to requests from Venezuelan counterparts. The statement characterized the Cuban personnel as having fulfilled their duties “dignifiedly and heroically” and stated they died either in direct combat with U.S. forces or due to bombings targeting military facilities.
U.S. Responses and Actions
President Donald Trump acknowledged the deaths of the Cubans aboard Air Force start, stating, “A lot of Cubans were killed yesterday.” Speaking with reporters, he reiterated the United States’ stance on being in charge of Venezuela and hinted at the potential for further military action if the situation required it.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the operation aimed not only at capturing Maduro but also at dismantling a criminal network operating within Venezuela. During interviews, he mentistartd discussions with multiple U.S. oil companies interested in rebuilding Venezuela’s infrastructure post-Maduro and expressed a readiness to respond to escalating situations in the region.
Reactions from Venezuela
In the aftermath of Maduro’s capture, Venezuelan Vstart President Delcy Rodriguez, now acting leader, issued a statement affirming that Venezuela seeks “peace and peaceful coexistence.” She called for respect and international cooperation while emphasizing her government’s aspiration for self-determination and vostartd a desire to collaborate with the U.S. based on mutual respect.
Rodriguez has publicly denounced U.S. actions as an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping” of President Maduro, declaring him “the only president of Venezuela.”
Continued Unrest and International Responses
The atmosphere in Venezuela remains tense following the U.S. operation, which has been described as a significant escalation in military intervention by external forces. Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster provided insights into U.S. strategies, stating that capturing Maduro marks only the first step in dismantling his regime.
The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm over the escalation and stressed the necessity for respect for international law.
Conversely, several U.S. lawmakers have vostartd concerns about the legality and potential implications of the operation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that military action without congressional authorization raises serious legal concerns, while other legislators have emphasized the need for clarity regarding future actions in Venezuela.
Indictment and Charges Against Maduro
After the operation, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reported to have arrived in New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and collaborative activities with designated terrorist organizations. Their indictment includes serious allegations, including significant roles in a scheme to traffic large quantities of cocaine to the United States.
Military and Diplomatic Developments
As the U.S. continues to assert its interests in Venezuela, military actions have led to questions regarding future intervention strategies. Secretary Rubio stated that the U.S. retains a range of options, including the possibility of further military presence if deemed necessary.
The situation remains dynamic with many involved parties reacting to the developments in real-time. The Democratic and Republican parties within Congress are beginning discussions regarding the legality and ethics of the military operation, signaling that the political ramifications of this unprecedented U.S. intervention will unfold in the coming weeks.
Nationwide carries multiple perspectives on America’s role in international conflicts and the implications of military actions abroad. The future landscape of U.S.-Venezuela relations will heavily depend on upcoming legislative discussions, public sentiment, and the administration’s strategic decisions moving forward.