> At a Glance
> – 32 Cuban soldiers died during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, according to Havana
> – Victims include FAR and Interior Ministry personnel aged 26-67
> – Cuba declares two days of national mourning
> – Why it matters: Havana frames the incident as “state terrorism,” raising tensions with Washington
Havana claims a U.S. strike in Venezuela killed 32 Cuban service members stationed there for security and defense missions, and has ordered nationwide mourning.
Official Cuban Account
The Communist Party of Cuba released a January 6, 2026 communiqué blaming the deaths on “a new criminal act of aggression and state terrorism” by the United States.
Granma, the party daily, says the soldiers were coordinating with Venezuelan authorities when the operation that also led to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture occurred.
Personnel Identified
State media published the following names:
Revolutionary Armed Forces (11)
- Capt. Adrián Pérez Beades, 34
- Senior Warrant Officer Suriel Godales Alarcón, 42
- Nine retired privates aged 35-59
Ministry of the Interior (21)
- Col. Humberto Alfonso Roca Sánchez, 67
- Col. Lázaro Evangelio Rodríguez Rodríguez, 62
- Five majors, three captains, seven first lieutenants, two lieutenants, and one first officer
Government Response
Cuban officials state relatives have been notified and received condolence messages from senior government and party leaders.
National mourning has been declared with official ceremonies planned to honor the dead.
Key Takeaways
- Havana previously denied any military presence in Venezuela
- The alleged U.S. strike also reportedly resulted in President Maduro’s capture
- Cuba is treating the deaths as an act of aggression against both nations
The announcement marks a dramatic escalation in Cuba’s narrative about its role in Venezuela and could further strain U.S.-Cuba relations.
