«Honor and Glory to the Brave Fighters»: Cuba Declares National Mourning for 32 Soldiers Killed in U.S. Attack in Venezuela

Original article: ”Honor y gloria a los bravos combatientes”: Cuba decreta duelo nacional por 32 cubanos muertos tras ataque de EE.UU. en Venezuela

The Cuban government has declared two days of national mourning following the confirmation of the deaths of 32 island combatants during a military attack ordered by the United States against Venezuela in the early hours of January 3.

This measure was formalized through a decree signed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, published in the Official Gazette.

«With deep sorrow, our people have learned that during the criminal attack carried out by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat actions,» stated the Cuban president in the text.

The deceased were on missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior at the request of their counterparts in the South American country.

«Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on facilities, and they elevated, through their heroic actions, the feelings of solidarity of millions of compatriots,» the president explained.

According to Prensa Latina, after verifying the identities of the Cubans killed during the U.S. attack, their families were informed and received condolences from Army General Raúl Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution, from President Díaz-Canel, as well as from the heads of the institutions to which they belonged.

As per the decree, during the mourning period, which will last from 6:00 AM on January 5 (local time) until the end of the day on January 6, the Star of the Lone Banner will fly at half-mast on all public buildings and military installations in the country, and public performances and activities will be suspended.

The ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Interior, and Foreign Relations will be responsible for enforcing these measures.

«Honor and Glory to the Brave Fighters»

Through a message posted on his account on X, the President of Cuba paid tribute to the 32 military personnel from the island who were on a mission in Venezuela and lost their lives due to the attack ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump against the Caribbean nation.

«Honor and glory to the brave Cuban fighters who fell facing terrorists in imperial uniforms, who illegally kidnapped and removed from their country the President of Venezuela (Nicolás Maduro) and his wife (Cilia Flores), whose lives they helped to protect at the request of that sister nation,» he expressed.

«I share grief and indignation with our people, especially with the loved ones of our brave companions. As I embrace their families and friends during this tragic time, I reiterate my great affection, admiration, and pride for them and their heroic actions,» he added.

Simultaneously, the government of Venezuela expressed its deepest solidarity with the Cuban people for the killing of the 32 combatants.

«The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela pays tribute to the 32 Cuban combatants who sacrificed their lives fulfilling their duty, within the framework of cooperation and defense missions, as a consequence of the criminal and infamous attack perpetrated by the Government of the United States against Venezuelan territory in the early hours of January 3, 2026,» stated the official communication issued by Caracas.

The text shared by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil reaffirmed that «these personnel were acting within the framework of cooperation between sovereign states and were fulfilling protection and institutional defense tasks.» Venezuela recognized the actions of the Cubans in their professional duties, highlighting «the bravery, discipline, and unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability.»

In this sense, Venezuela thanked the revolutionary Cuban government «for its solidarity and steadfast support, extending a fraternal embrace to the Revolutionary Armed Forces and to the families of the fallen combatants, whose sacrifice strengthens the historical ties of brotherhood, sovereignty, and shared struggle between our nations.»