A young Cuban soldier injured during the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela expressed to leader Miguel Díaz-Canel that he and his comrades "will continue fighting with the same valor as they did in Venezuela."
The statement was made during a gathering where the Cuban leader met with over a hundred prominent young individuals from various sectors of society, as reported by the official account of the Cuban Presidency on the social media platform X.
Footage from the meeting shows young individuals dressed in olive-green military uniforms alongside civilians, in a formal setting with a Cuban flag in the background. These attendees were allegedly part of the Cuban troops involved in the U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, in Caracas.
The Cuban regime often utilizes such testimonies as political mobilization tools, even targeting young audiences, amid escalating tensions with Washington. On the same day, President Trump declared that Cuba would be next, during a speech highlighting the military successes of the United States.
Impact of "Absolute Resolve" Operation
The "Absolute Resolve" Operation, carried out by a Delta Force unit comprising approximately 200 soldiers and 150 aircraft, resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban soldiers, with several others injured, including Colonel Pedro Yadín Domínguez.
Domínguez spoke on Canal Caribe, Cuba's state television, explaining that he and his comrades were fulfilling a mission to support Maduro's presidential security with limited weaponry and were at rest when the assault occurred.
He described the attack as "completely disproportionate," involving planes, bombs, drones, and helicopters that strafed the area, killing 11 of his fellow soldiers.
Survivors Share Their Stories
Another survivor, soldier Yohandris Varona Torres from Vertientes, Camagüey, recounted to the newspaper Adelante how he retrieved the bodies of his 32 fallen comrades without external assistance, storing them in his quarters to ensure they weren't left behind in Venezuela.
"I saw them all fall, and I carried them all," Varona Torres stated, adding, "I can't explain the pain, but at least no one was left in Venezuela."
The regime welcomed the wounded soldiers back on January 15 in Havana and declared two days of national mourning.
In February, it showcased four survivors from the Personal Security Directorate, praising their "courage" in the face of enemy superiority. Díaz-Canel labeled the U.S. operation as "state terrorism" and called for anti-imperialist rallies in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Capture of Nicolás Maduro
What was the "Absolute Resolve" Operation?
The "Absolute Resolve" Operation was a military mission executed by a Delta Force unit involving around 200 soldiers and 150 aircraft. It aimed to capture Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the operation?
The Cuban regime declared two days of national mourning for the fallen soldiers and showcased surviving soldiers, emphasizing their bravery. Díaz-Canel condemned the operation as "state terrorism" and organized anti-imperialist demonstrations.