The Cuban government said 32 Cuban nationals died in the US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on 3 January.
It did not give details, but said the dead were military or Interior Ministry personnel who were carrying out missions “at the request of colleagues.” Cuban forces have helped guarantee Maduro’s security since he took power.
US President Donald Trump told reporters on 4 January that a large number of Cubans who provided security for Nicolas Maduro died during the US operation.
In addition, Trump said that US military intervention in Cuba is unlikely to be needed as the country, in his words, appears to be “ready to collapse”. The US president noted that it would be difficult for Havana to “hold out” without receiving oil from its ally Venezuela.
Cuban authorities have sharply condemned the USA action in Venezuela, calling it an act of “state terrorism”, and reiterated their full support for the Venezuelan government.
On January Maduro, captured along with his wife Celia Flores in a US operation, was taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Maduro and Flores are currently in custody.
A federal judge in New York released a new indictment charging Maduro, his wife and four others with four counts, including “narco-terrorism” and conspiracy to import cocaine.
Hours after the operation, Trump said the US would govern Venezuela until there is an orderly transfer of power. He did not specify exactly how that would take place.