Delcy Rodríguez Honors Fallen Cuban Soldiers as "Heroes of the Nation" in Venezuela

Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, declared that the Cuban and Venezuelan soldiers who perished during the U.S. military operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture should be recognized as "heroes and heroines of the nation."

In a formal tribute held on January 3rd for those who lost their lives, Rodríguez referred to them as "heroes and heroines of the nation of Simón Bolívar," specifically mentioning the 32 Cuban fighters.

"Our Cuban brothers, the sons of Martí and Fidel, are also heroes and heroines of the nation, as they fought as one people against the illegal and illegitimate aggression," she stated.

Rodríguez justified the use of arms as a means of safeguarding the state and preserving national sovereignty.

"Weapons are meant to protect the Republic, to defend our country, our nation, our sovereignty, our dignity, and our morality," she declared.

The official emphasized what she described as the spiritual cohesion of the Venezuelan people in the face of foreign aggression, asserting that Venezuela is not a "warlike" country but a state guided by dignity and a "profound spiritual wealth."

In her speech, the acting president vowed that the nation will continue to present itself to the world with "head held high" and an "unbreakable spirit" against any attempts at subjugation.

Rodríguez also announced the formation of a commission to provide comprehensive support to the families of the fallen combatants.

Furthermore, she revealed plans to construct a monument dedicated to preserving the memory of those who, according to her account, "did not surrender to foreign aggression."

During the ceremony, Rodríguez reaffirmed her loyalty to Nicolás Maduro, whom she described as "kidnapped," as well as to Cilia Flores.

"We are committed to not resting until they are free, back home, and returned to their homeland," she declared.

The tribute was attended by the leadership of the Venezuelan interim government and Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, highlighting the ongoing strategic relationship between Caracas and Havana and aiming to strengthen the political alliance narrative of both regimes.

In the days following the operation that resulted in Nicolás Maduro's capture, Cuba released the identities of the 32 Cubans who were killed during the U.S. assault on Venezuela.

These deceased individuals, members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, were acknowledged by the government as personnel "fulfilling missions at the request of Venezuela's counterpart agencies," marking an official acknowledgment of the Cuban military presence in the Andean nation, a fact that Havana had denied for years.

The list, which included high-ranking officers, captains, lieutenants, and soldiers aged 26 to 67—among them two colonels and three majors—was presented as the first public acknowledgment of the scale of the losses.