Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged the deaths of Cuban guards during the U.S. military operation in Caracas that led to the arrest and extradition of Nicolás Maduro.
“Honor and glory to the brave Cuban fighters who faced terrorists in imperial uniforms, who illegally kidnapped and removed the President of Venezuela and his wife from their country. Their lives were being protected by ours at the request of that sister nation,” Díaz-Canel stated in a Facebook post.
“I share the pain and indignation with our people, especially with the loved ones of our courageous comrades. As I embrace their families and friends in this tragic hour, I reiterate my great affection, admiration, and pride for them and their heroic conduct,” he added.
Díaz-Canel did not mention the names of the deceased.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Accuses U.S. of Cold-Blooded Killings
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the United States, accusing them of cold-bloodedly killing many members of the security team of deposed President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement from the regime's Armed Forces, Padrino strongly rejected the “cowardly kidnapping” of Maduro and Cilia Flores, stating that it occurred after the cold-blooded murder of much of their security team, soldiers, and innocent civilians.
Padrino also did not specify the exact number of casualties.
Trump Discloses Deaths of Cuban Guards
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Cubans died while attempting to protect Nicolás Maduro during the U.S. military operation.
“You know, many Cubans lost their lives last night. Did you know that? Many Cubans lost their lives. They were protecting Maduro. That was not a good decision,” Trump remarked in an interview with The New York Post, though he admitted he did not know the exact number of fatalities or if they were military personnel, advisors, or security staff sent from Cuba.
During the same interview, Trump directly linked Cuba to the support of the Venezuelan regime. “Cuba always relied heavily on Venezuela. That's where they got their money and protected Venezuela, but this didn't work out very well in this case,” he stated, reinforcing the narrative of a strategic alliance with tragic consequences for Cuban citizens.
The Collapse of Maduro's Security Apparatus
The Cuban security apparatus that surrounded Nicolás Maduro, functioning as his most reliable shield for years, failed to prevent his capture during the U.S. military mission that resulted in his removal from Venezuela.
Carried out by the elite Delta Force with CIA support, the operation exposed the vulnerability of the Cuban-Venezuelan protection system, a central pillar of Chávez's power since his death.
Throughout the last decade, Havana managed the intelligence, counterintelligence, and presidential security of Caracas. According to international media reports, Maduro had bolstered his security detail with dozens of Cuban bodyguards, selected by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and the State Security Department (DSE). These agents were responsible not only for his physical protection but also for internal espionage on Venezuelan officials.
According to intelligence sources cited by Axios and The New York Times, Maduro feared being assassinated by his Cuban advisors if he left power, due to the sensitive information he held about financial agreements, drug trafficking networks, and joint intelligence operations between Caracas and Havana.
“Cuba was his guardian, but also his jailer,” warned CiberCuba weeks before his downfall.
Maduro frequently changed residences, phones, and security teams. He even ordered the inclusion of more Cuban G2 officers in the Venezuelan army to detect potential internal betrayals. However, this absolute reliance on Havana became his Achilles' heel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Guards and U.S. Operation
What was the role of Cuban guards in Venezuela?
Cuban guards were involved in protecting Nicolás Maduro, managing intelligence and counterintelligence operations, and performing internal espionage on Venezuelan officials.
How did the U.S. operation impact the Cuban-Venezuelan alliance?
The U.S. operation revealed vulnerabilities in the Cuban-Venezuelan security system and highlighted Cuba's strategic dependence on Venezuela, ultimately leading to significant losses for Cuba.