The remains of 32 Cuban soldiers who perished in Venezuela amid an operation to apprehend Nicolás Maduro were returned to Havana on Thursday. The repatriation was marked by a politically charged official ceremony and anticipated widespread public mobilization.
In the early hours of January 15, a Cubana de Aviación ATR 42-500 aircraft landed at Havana's José Martí International Airport carrying the bodies of the Cuban soldiers who died on January 3. The government described their deaths as occurring "in the line of duty."
Symbolic Military Ceremony
A military ceremony was expected to take place on the tarmac, attended by military officials, Communist Party representatives, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) personnel, to pay the first posthumous tribute.
Funeral Procession and Public Tribute
Following the initial ceremony, the coffins were to be transported along Rancho Boyeros Avenue to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) headquarters. There, a vigil would be held to allow citizens to pay their respects to the deceased starting at 10:00 a.m.
Official institutions began mobilizing workers, students, and members of political organizations early in the morning to accompany the procession. "By 6:00 a.m., we have gathered at Avenida Boyeros and Tulipán to honor the 32 fallen combatants," an official source shared via social media, alongside images of the street mobilization for the funeral cortege.
Security Measures and Road Closures
The Havana Provincial Traffic Commission had announced extensive security measures from early Thursday to ensure the ceremonial route's safety. Vehicle traffic and parking were restricted starting at 4:00 a.m. in various city areas. By 7:00 a.m., all intersections between Avenida Van Troy and Paseo Street were closed.
Authorities advised using alternative routes such as the Calabazar Road, Murgas Road, or Project 3 towards 114th Street.
National Tributes and Patriotic March
Commemorations are set to continue on Friday, January 16. At 7:30 a.m., a large gathering will occur at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune on Havana's Malecón, marking the start of the "Combatant People’s March," intended to symbolize the "patriotic commitment" and solidarity between Cuba and Venezuela.
Simultaneously at 9:00 a.m., tribute events will take place across all provincial capitals nationwide. Finally, at 4:00 p.m., the soldiers will be laid to rest in the Fallen for Defense Pantheon in their respective hometowns.
The Communist Party recently announced on social media, "All municipalities in the country will hold posthumous tribute events. Honor and glory to our heroes!"
Arrival of Injured Soldiers
Before the repatriation, the Cuban regime welcomed a group of injured soldiers and collaborators on Wednesday, who were hurt during the U.S.-led operation in Venezuela. They arrived at José Martí International Airport, where they were greeted by high-ranking members of the Communist Party and the military, as reported by the state-run Cubadebate.
High-Impact Operation and Geopolitical Consequences
The 32 Cuban soldiers lost their lives on January 3, 2026, during an international operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro. The attack, which led to the downfall of the Maduro regime, was justified by Washington as an "urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe."
Interim president Delcy Rodríguez took control of the country amidst a fragile political transition, under international supervision.
Unexpected Visit by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez
Before the arrival of the soldiers' remains, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez made an unannounced visit to Venezuela. He attended an official ceremony to honor both Cuban and Venezuelan fallen combatants. The visit was not disclosed by state media or through standard diplomatic channels.
During the ceremony, posthumous promotions and decorations were awarded to the deceased, reinforcing the narrative of unity, sacrifice, and shared resistance promoted by both governments.
Propaganda and Heroism Narrative
Despite the extensive propaganda to honor the 32 soldiers, the Cuban government has not explained its troops' direct involvement in foreign conflict. Neither the public nor independent media have been informed about the mission's nature, the total number of deployed troops, or the specifics of the military agreement with Caracas.
The official silence contrasts with the intense symbolic campaign in state media, which seeks to cement a narrative of heroism and ideological loyalty. References to "internationalism," "imperialist aggression," and "patriotic honor" echo past Cuban foreign policy endeavors, such as military campaigns in Africa.
Key Questions About Cuban Military Involvement
Why were Cuban soldiers involved in an operation in Venezuela?
The Cuban government has not provided specific details regarding its military's involvement in Venezuela. The operation was part of an international effort to capture Nicolás Maduro, justified by the U.S. as necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
What events followed the repatriation of the Cuban soldiers' remains?
After the bodies arrived in Havana, a military ceremony and a public vigil were held. Subsequent days involved national tributes and a patriotic march, culminating in the soldiers' burial in local defense pantheons.
What has been the Cuban state's response to the operation in Venezuela?
The Cuban government has maintained a narrative of heroism and ideological solidarity, though it has refrained from providing detailed explanations about the operation or military agreements with Venezuela.