This past Wednesday, the Cuban regime welcomed a contingent of soldiers and collaborators injured in a U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. According to military sources in Havana, the operation led to the death of 32 Cubans.
The survivors were part of the brigades sent from Havana to support Maduro's regime, historically allied with Cuban leaders Miguel Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro. Their arrival took place at José Martí International Airport, where they were greeted by high-ranking officials from the Communist Party and the military, as reported by the state-run media outlet Cubadebate.
As per the state-controlled portal, a commission led by members of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Party, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, welcomed the so-called "internationalist collaborators" and conveyed "the gratitude of the people and the leadership of the Revolution for their bravery against imperialist actions."
Also present to welcome the injured were Army Corps Generals Álvaro López Miera and Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, heads of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), respectively. Both praised the "resilience" of those injured and reaffirmed the Cuban government's commitment to the Chavismo movement, despite the political turmoil in Venezuela following Maduro's detainment.
The remains of the 32 deceased soldiers are scheduled for repatriation on Thursday morning and will receive a posthumous tribute at Havana's airport. They will then be transported to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Minfar), near the Plaza de la Revolución, to be displayed in a memorial chapel.
The regime has persistently framed the incident as an "imperialist aggression," whereas the U.S. government confirmed that the military operation was carried out by special units under direct orders from President Donald Trump, as part of Venezuela's transition process.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Cuban Response to Maduro's Capture
How did the Cuban government respond to the injuries and deaths of its personnel in Venezuela?
The Cuban government welcomed the injured soldiers and collaborators with high-ranking officials and expressed gratitude for their bravery. The deceased will receive a posthumous tribute in Havana.
What was the U.S. government's role in the operation in Venezuela?
The U.S. government confirmed that the operation was carried out by special units under the direct orders of President Donald Trump, as part of the transition process in Venezuela.
What is the significance of the Cuban regime's support for Maduro?
The Cuban regime has historically been an ally of Maduro, and its support is significant in maintaining the political ties and ideological alignment between the two nations, despite the recent political upheaval in Venezuela.