The Cuban government released the identities, positions, and ages of the 32 Cuban military members who lost their lives during the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces. The fallen individuals included colonels, lieutenants, majors, captains, and reserve soldiers aged between 26 and 60. These uniformed personnel were part of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior, the country’s primary security agencies. The Cuban state media disclosed their details and showcased headshots of them wearing olive-green military attire.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez expressed readiness for Cubans to sacrifice their lives in the face of any U.S. intervention, while contemplating a future without Maduro as Venezuela’s leader. He criticized the U.S. president for his lack of understanding about Cuba and reiterated the sentiments of Cuban-American politicians and interest groups. Rodríguez emphasized that Cuba would defend itself against imperialist aggression.
The Cuban authorities confirmed the deaths of these personnel who were in Venezuela as part of agreements between the two nations. The statement praised the fallen soldiers for their valor and heroism in combat against the attackers or due to bombings of the facilities.
Details about the deceased Cuban officers gradually emerged, with public acknowledgment of their sacrifice for a just cause. Notably, Col. Humberto Alfonso Roca Sánchez and Col. Lázaro Evangelio Rodríguez Rodríguez were among those killed. These officers had significant roles within the Cuban military.
Cuba and Venezuela, long-standing allies in economic and political spheres, have collaborated on various agreements, including security and energy. The exchange of military personnel or advisory services between the two countries has not been extensively reported.
The U.S. intervention in Venezuela led to the Organization of American States convening a special meeting, where U.S. Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto faced interruptions from protesters. Despite the disruptions, Rizzuto reiterated that the U.S. action aimed to enforce the law against a criminal indicted individual, not to interfere in democracy. He emphasized the U.S.’s desire for a democratic future for Venezuela.
Following Rizzuto’s speech, Peruvian Ambassador Rodolfo Coronado called for a moment of silence for the victims of Maduro’s regime, while representatives from various countries condemned the U.S. strike, labeling it a breach of international law and national sovereignty.