The Cuban government has claimed that 32 of its military and police officers were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend, marking a significant escalation in the regional fallout from the intervention.
In a statement aired on Cuban state television on Sunday night, authorities said the personnel were deployed in Venezuela as part of a mission requested by the Venezuelan government. While Havana did not disclose the exact nature of their role, it reaffirmed its long-standing military and security cooperation with Caracas.
According to the Cuban statement, the officers were killed either during direct combat with attacking forces or as a result of aerial bombings targeting key facilities. Cuban officials described the deaths as occurring in the line of duty and praised the personnel for resisting the assault.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that Cuban personnel were among those killed, while maintaining that no American troops died during the operation. He said there were casualties on the opposing side but none on the US side, though he later suggested some American service members may have been injured.
Meanwhile, the overall death toll from Saturday&rsquo;s US strike has reportedly risen to 80, according to US media reports citing senior Venezuelan officials. Both civilians and military personnel were among those killed. Venezuela&rsquo;s Defence Minister earlier stated that several members of President Nicolas Maduro&rsquo;s security detail were eliminated in the attack.
Following the operation, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. Maduro faces multiple federal charges in the United States, including allegations related to drug trafficking and links with groups designated as terrorist organisations. He has denied all accusations.
Trump has since announced that the US will oversee Venezuela&rsquo;s administration temporarily, stating that Washington will remain involved until a structured and lawful transition of power is achieved.
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Havana alleges heavy Cuban losses in US military operation in Venezuela

Cuba Claims 32 Officers Killed in US Strike

Havana alleges heavy Cuban losses in US military operation in Venezuela

January 5, 2026 | 11:53 IST