The deaths of Cuban bodyguards during Nicolás Maduro's capture in Caracas once again place Cuba at the center of a military operation that the regime attempts to portray as "heroic." However, from Washington, it's described as a direct and bloody confrontation with armed Cuban forces.
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff of the White House, stated on Monday that the operation carried out by U.S. special forces resulted in a "fierce gun battle" where the Cuban guards protecting Maduro "suffered significant casualties."
"The overwhelming majority of the casualties and deaths occurred against the Cuban guards who had exerted control over the Venezuelan people," Miller said during an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN's The Lead.
According to the senior official, U.S. troops directly engaged armed Cuban guards during the assault in Caracas. Miller also claimed that the death toll publicly released by Havana is "likely lower than the actual number" of fatalities.
These statements follow the confirmation by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of the deaths of 32 Cuban bodyguards during the operation, without disclosing their identities. Miguel Díaz-Canel declared two days of national mourning, praising the "heroic actions" of the fallen.
While the Cuban regime refrains from providing names, ages, or personal stories of the deceased, Washington's tone was starkly different. Miller emphasized that U.S. casualties were minimal and that all injured soldiers are stable, highlighting the "skill, precision, bravery, and extraordinary capability" of the special forces.
"Every death recorded was the death of an enemy," the official added, a statement that contrasts with Havana's official discourse, which paints the bodyguards as victims of a "terrorist" and "criminal attack."
When asked about potential civilian casualties, Miller stated he saw no reports of non-combatant victims, reinforcing the U.S. version that the confrontation was confined to armed forces protecting the Venezuelan leader.
The Deputy Chief of Staff's words bolster what President Donald Trump had already stated, acknowledging that Cubans died while attempting to protect Maduro and again linking Havana to the support of the Chavista regime.
For many Cubans, both inside and outside the island, the question remains: who were these 32 men sent to die far from their country, in a war that was not theirs? While the government speaks of honor and glory, the families remain anonymous, caught between mourning and official silence.
Understanding the Conflict Between Cuban Guards and U.S. Forces
What sparked the clash between U.S. forces and Cuban guards in Venezuela?
The confrontation occurred during a U.S. special forces operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, where they faced armed Cuban guards protecting the Venezuelan leader.
How did the Cuban government respond to the deaths of the bodyguards?
Cuba's Ministry of the Interior confirmed the deaths of 32 Cuban bodyguards, declared two days of national mourning, and praised the actions of the fallen as "heroic," without disclosing further details about the individuals.
What was the U.S. response to the operation's outcome?
The U.S. emphasized the minimal casualties on their side and highlighted the special forces' exceptional abilities, while questioning the accuracy of the Cuban-reported death toll.