American Airstrike Claims Lives of 32 Cubans in Venezuela

Airstrike in Venezuela

The Cuban government has reported that 32 of its citizens were killed during an American operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. It stated that the victims were members of the armed forces and Cuban intelligence agencies, prompting a two-day national mourning period.

In a brief statement, the Cuban government did not elaborate on the roles of those killed in Venezuela but emphasized the long-standing alliance between the two nations, with Cuba providing security support in exchange for oil. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel noted that these individuals were ensuring the protection of Maduro and his wife "at the request" of Venezuela.

An official statement read, "Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on facilities."

As of now, Venezuela has not confirmed the total number of casualties from the American raid on Maduro's compound in Caracas. According to the New York Times, citing an anonymous source within the Venezuelan government, the death toll could be as high as 80 and may continue to rise.

In the days following Maduro's capture, questions arose regarding the possibility that the Trump administration might consider a similar operation against Cuba, which, like Venezuela, has held an adversarial relationship with the United States for decades. Speaking to reporters, American President Donald Trump remarked that a military action would not be necessary, as "Cuba is about to fall."