The Cuban government released the identities, ranks, and ages of the 32 Cuban military members who lost their lives during the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The fallen personnel, including colonels, lieutenants, majors, captains, and reserve soldiers, were aged between 26 and 60. They served in Cuba’s key security agencies, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior. The official announcement did not detail their specific roles or the circumstances of their deaths.
Cuban state media disclosed the individuals’ profiles and portraits, depicting them in their olive-green military attire. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez expressed the country’s readiness to defend against any U.S. intervention and mourned the potential absence of Maduro as Venezuela’s leader. The government acknowledged the sacrifice of its personnel who were fulfilling bilateral agreements with Venezuela.
Details about the deceased Cuban officers slowly surfaced, with public acknowledgment of their dedication to a noble cause. Speculations pointed to specific roles held by some of the fallen officers, such as Col. Humberto Alfonso Roca Sánchez and Col. Lázaro Evangelio Rodríguez Rodríguez.
Cuba and Venezuela, longstanding allies in economic and political realms, have collaborated on various fronts, including security and energy. The recent military engagement between the U.S. and Venezuela raised concerns and led to international reactions, including a special meeting by the Organization of American States.
U.S. Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto clarified that the operation in Venezuela was not an invasion but a targeted law enforcement action against an indicted figure. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to a democratic future for Venezuela and urged for the release of political prisoners. The OAS meeting witnessed mixed reactions, with some countries condemning the military intervention as a breach of international law and sovereignty.
