On January 15, the Cuban regime released the biographies of 32 soldiers who lost their lives in Venezuela during the operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture. This marks a significant departure from years of official denial regarding the presence of Cuban troops involved in safeguarding the Chavista regime.
Published under the banner "Honor and Glory," these biographies confirm that the deceased were members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), with many linked to the Directorate of Personal Security.
All 32 soldiers perished in the early hours of January 3, 2026, during an operation authorized by President Donald Trump and executed by the U.S. Army's elite Delta Force unit.
The profiles reveal a recurring theme, featuring men from various generations and ranks—from young soldiers to colonels with decades of service. Most hailed from eastern Cuba and were deployed on an "internationalist mission" that officially did not exist. Several had technical training or civilian careers before joining the military and security apparatus.
The official narrative recycles common themes such as membership in the Union of Young Communists (UJC) and the Communist Party, involvement in "operational assurances," and posthumous promotions as a symbolic closure to each story. Absent are references to wives, children, or families, as well as details concerning the mission type they carried out in Venezuela.
The release of these profiles coincides with widespread tributes and public events in Cuba, including funerals, official marches, and the reappearance of Raúl Castro during the arrival of the remains in Havana.
Days prior, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. military personnel involved in the operation as "cowards" while praising the "sacrifice" of the Cuban guards.
Beyond the epic rhetoric, this revelation exposes a long-denied truth: Cuba's direct involvement in the security of the Chavista regime and the human cost of a political alliance that, once again, exacted a price far from home.
Understanding Cuba's Involvement in Venezuela
Why did Cuba deny the presence of its troops in Venezuela for so long?
Cuba likely denied the presence of its troops in Venezuela to avoid international scrutiny and criticism for its involvement in another nation's internal affairs, which could have complicated diplomatic relations.
What was the nature of the mission that Cuban troops were on in Venezuela?
The exact nature of the mission remains undisclosed, but the troops were likely involved in security and protection roles for the Chavista regime in Venezuela, as suggested by their links to the Directorate of Personal Security.