News|US-Venezuela TensionsCuba pays tribute to 32 soldiers killed in US attack on VenezuelaCuban president says soldiers fell defending ‘sovereignty of a sister nation’ amid escalating tensions with Washington.
Cuba has acknowledged the loss of 32 soldiers killed in a United States military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The remains of the soldiers, part of Cuba’s armed forces and intelligence agencies,…
Cuba has acknowledged the loss of 32 soldiers killed in a United States military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The remains of the soldiers, part of Cuba’s armed forces and intelligence agencies, arrived in Havana on Thu, Jan 15, 2026, in coffins draped with the Cuban flag.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel and former leader Raul Castro attended the reception of the soldiers' remains. Interior Minister General Lazaro Alberto Alvarez emphasized the soldiers' dedication, noting their commitment during the US operation on Jan 3, 2026, in Caracas.
Cubans pay their respects to the slain soldiers at the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Havana on January 15, 2026 [AFP]
A motorcade transported the remains to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, where residents of Havana paid their respects throughout the day.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel and former leader Raul Castro attended the reception of the soldiers' remains.
The United States operation has intensified tensions between the US and Cuba. President Donald Trump defended the legality of the operation, while his statements regarding the cessation of Venezuelan oil and funds to Cuba have further strained relations. In response, President Diaz-Canel reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to defending its sovereignty and called for dialogue based on international law principles.
A motorcade in Havana transports the Cuban‑flag‑draped urns of soldiers killed in the US strike in Caracas. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
A rally is planned for Fri, Jan 16, 2026, in front of the US embassy in Havana to protest the US operation in Venezuela. President Maduro, captured alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, is currently detained in the US on drug-related charges, which he disputes.
Cubans protect themselves from the rain wearing umbrellas as they queue outside the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces to pay their respects to the 32 Cuban soldiers who died during the US incursion to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, during the funeral honours in Havana on January 15, 2026 [Yamil Lage/AFP]
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
