Cuba Confirms 32 Personnel Killed in US Military Operation in Venezuela

Havana: The Cuban government has reported that 32 of its personnel were killed during the US military incursion into Venezuela, which violated international law. According to Cuban state TV, the personnel were military and police officers participating in a mission organized by the Caribbean forces at the request of the Venezuelan government. This is the first official confirmation of Cuban casualties in the US-led operation in Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump reportedly stated during his press conference that while numerous Cubans were killed, there were no American casualties during the operation.

The military action took place in the early hours of Saturday when the US stormed Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, accusing them of drug trafficking and involvement in terrorist conspiracies.

To honor the fallen Cuban officials, the Cuban government has declared two days of national mourning. Former President Raul Castro and current President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The Cuban authorities have not released the names or positions of the victims.

The US attack followed after the failure of months long pressure tactics aimed at overthrowing the Venezuelan government. The American operation disregarded international laws and democratic norms, according to observers.