The Cuban Ministry of the Interior recently announced that 32 Cuban bodyguards were killed in Caracas during a U.S. military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro.
A Facebook post from the Ministry stated, "In the early hours of January 3, 2026, due to the unlawful attack by the United States against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat. They were representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of Venezuelan counterparts."
The Ministry emphasized the bravery of these individuals: "Our compatriots fulfilled their duties with dignity and heroism, falling after intense resistance in direct combat or due to bombings of their facilities," the statement continued.
While the identities of the deceased were not disclosed, the Ministry assured that "once identified, the families of our fallen comrades were notified and received heartfelt condolences and support from General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and First Secretary of the Communist Party and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, along with the leadership of both ministries."
The statement concluded by condemning the U.S. action as a "criminal act of aggression and state terrorism," noting that the Cuban government would organize appropriate actions to honor the deceased.
In a related Facebook post, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the deaths, expressing, "Honor and glory to the courageous Cuban fighters who faced imperial terrorists that unlawfully kidnapped the President of Venezuela and his wife, whom our forces were helping to protect."
Díaz-Canel added, "I share the pain and outrage with our people and especially with the loved ones of our brave companions. I extend my deepest affection, admiration, and pride for them and their heroic actions."
Meanwhile, on Saturday, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the incident, stating that Cuban lives were lost while attempting to protect Maduro during the U.S. military operation.
In a New York Post interview, Trump remarked, "You know, many Cubans died last night. Were you aware? They were protecting Maduro. That was not a wise decision," although he admitted to not knowing the exact number of casualties or the specific roles of those involved.
Trump further linked Cuba to the support of the Venezuelan regime, asserting, "Cuba has always heavily relied on Venezuela. That’s where they got their money from, and they protected Venezuela, but it didn't work out well this time," reinforcing the narrative of a strategic alliance that had dire consequences for Cuban citizens.
The Cuban security apparatus surrounding Nicolás Maduro, which had long served as his most reliable shield, failed to prevent his capture during the U.S. operation that ultimately led to his removal from Venezuela. The elite Delta Force unit, with CIA backing, exposed the vulnerabilities in the Cuban-Venezuelan protection system, a crucial component of Chavista power since Hugo Chávez's death.
For the past decade, Havana controlled the intelligence, counterintelligence, and presidential security of Caracas. According to international media reports, Maduro had bolstered his security with dozens of Cuban bodyguards selected by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the Department of State Security (DSE). These agents were responsible not only for his physical protection but also for internal espionage on Venezuelan officials.
Intelligence sources cited by Axios and The New York Times revealed that Maduro feared assassination by his Cuban advisors if he left power, given the sensitive information he possessed on financial agreements, drug trafficking networks, and joint intelligence operations between Caracas and Havana.
"Cuba was his guardian, but also his jailer," CiberCuba warned weeks before his downfall.
Key Questions on the U.S. Operation in Venezuela
What was the outcome of the U.S. operation in Venezuela?
The U.S. operation successfully captured Nicolás Maduro, leading to his removal from Venezuela. However, it resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban bodyguards.
How did Cuba react to the deaths of their bodyguards?
Cuban officials expressed outrage and grief, honoring the deceased bodyguards as heroes and condemning the U.S. operation as an act of aggression.
What role did Cuban bodyguards play in Maduro's security?
Cuban bodyguards were integral to Maduro's security, selected by Cuban intelligence, and involved in both protection and internal espionage activities.