Miguel Díaz-Canel has intensified his rhetoric, labeling the U.S. military forces involved in the operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture and the death of Cuban bodyguards as "cowardly and illegal."
In a statement shared on X, Cuba's leader pledged that the island will honor the 32 fallen soldiers "with pride and glory." He praised them as men who, with "true Cuban bravery," challenged the forces executing the operation in Caracas. His message was accompanied by official images from the presidency announcing a comprehensive schedule for posthumous tributes on January 15 and 16.
Díaz-Canel's words starkly contrast with the reality of the situation. According to sources from the U.S. government, including reports by CBS News, Maduro's capture was carried out by Delta Force, one of the U.S. Army's most elite and secretive units, specializing in counterterrorism and high-value target capture.
The operation, sanctioned by President Donald Trump, involved precision bombings in Caracas and nearby regions and resulted in Maduro and his wife's extraction from the country.
Amidst this operation, 32 Cuban nationals, part of Maduro's security detail, were killed, a fact that Havana's regime had vehemently denied for years. The admission came only after the event, via a statement in the Granma newspaper, acknowledging that the deceased were on missions for the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior in Venezuela.
The official narrative attempts to transform a military and political defeat into an epic tale. Released images display banners with the slogan "Honor and Glory," portraits of the deceased, and a ceremonial display that includes marches, memorial chapels, mass gatherings, and simultaneous ceremonies across the country.
On Thursday, January 15, the remains are expected to arrive at José Martí Airport, followed by a solemn procession to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, where they will be honored.
The following day, the regime has organized the so-called "March of the Combatant People," while the remains are ultimately to be interred in military memorials in their respective hometowns. The entire process is meticulously orchestrated to reinforce a narrative of sacrifice, unity, and confrontation with the United States.
The capture of Maduro by Delta Force not only shifted the political landscape in Venezuela, now under interim leadership by Delcy Rodríguez, but also exposed a long-denied truth by Havana—Cuba’s direct involvement in safeguarding the Chavista regime.
While the Cuban government declares tributes and accuses one of the world's most specialized military forces of "cowardice," 32 families mourn the loss of men who died far from home, in a mission that officially "never existed," once again bearing the human cost of a political alliance.
Key Questions on Cuba's Involvement in Venezuelan Security
Why did Díaz-Canel criticize the U.S. military operation?
Díaz-Canel condemned the operation as "cowardly and illegal" due to the involvement of U.S. forces in capturing Nicolás Maduro and the resulting death of Cuban guards, highlighting Cuba's opposition to U.S. intervention.
What was the role of Delta Force in the capture of Maduro?
Delta Force, an elite U.S. Army unit, executed the operation to capture Maduro, which involved precision bombings and extraction tactics, under authorization from President Donald Trump.
How did Cuba initially respond to the deaths of its soldiers in Venezuela?
Initially, the Cuban regime vehemently denied the deaths, acknowledging them only after the fact through a statement in Granma, revealing that the soldiers were on official missions in Venezuela.
What impact did the operation have on Venezuelan politics?
The capture of Maduro by Delta Force significantly altered Venezuela's political scene, leading to interim leadership under Delcy Rodríguez and exposing Cuba's involvement in Maduro's security.