On Saturday, Miguel Díaz-Canel, the leader of Cuba, announced a two-day period of national mourning to honor the lives of 32 Cuban citizens killed during a U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro on the early morning of January 3, 2026.
The Presidential Decree 1147, issued from the Palace of the Revolution and published in the Official Gazette, mandates the mourning period to last from 6:00 a.m. on January 5 until midnight on January 6. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-staff on public buildings and military institutions, and all public celebrations and events will be suspended nationwide.
"Our people have learned with profound sorrow of the deaths of 32 Cubans in combat actions during the criminal attack by the United States government against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," the decree states.
According to the decree, those who perished were on missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), "at the request of similar entities in the South American country." Díaz-Canel praised their "heroic conduct," noting that the fallen "upheld the spirit of solidarity cherished by millions of our compatriots."
The MININT had earlier confirmed the death toll, denouncing the U.S. assault as an "act of criminal aggression and state terrorism." The institution reported that the families of the deceased were informed and received condolences from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, Díaz-Canel, and Cuban military leaders.
This official announcement comes amid an unprecedented regional tension following the extraction of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces. Sources in Washington indicated that the deceased included members of the Cuban security team that protected the Chavista leader, a unit that had been stationed in Venezuela for over a decade.
The national mourning decree aims to project an image of unity and resilience as Cuba grapples with a severe economic crisis and the loss of its primary political and energy ally.
The decree concludes by instructing the ministers of the FAR, MININT, and Foreign Affairs to ensure its enforcement, highlighting the solemn nature of the tribute to the 32 Cubans who "fell in the fulfillment of their internationalist duty."
Key Questions about the National Mourning in Cuba
What is the duration of the national mourning period in Cuba?
The national mourning period in Cuba is set to last from 6:00 a.m. on January 5 until midnight on January 6, 2026.
Who were the Cuban citizens involved in the Caracas operation?
The Cuban citizens involved were on missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), acting on requests from Venezuelan counterparts.
How did the Cuban government describe the U.S. military operation?
The Cuban government described the U.S. military operation as a "criminal attack" and an "act of state terrorism."