The Cuban government recently held a commemorative event for Personal Security officers who were stationed in Venezuela during the January 3rd operation, where U.S. forces captured dictator Nicolás Maduro. This operation resulted in the deaths of 32 soldiers from the Caribbean nation.
According to an official announcement on the Cuban Ministry of the Interior's Facebook page, the gathering was held at the headquarters of the 2nd Battalion of the National Special Brigade (BEN). It included an exchange between the officers and members of the unit.
The ceremony included a moment of silence in honor of the fallen soldiers and featured the screening of the documentary “Honor and Glory,” produced by the Ministry's Political Directorate.
Brigadier General Oscar Alejandro Callejas Valcarce, a member of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and head of the Ministry of the Interior’s Political Directorate, presided over the event alongside Colonel Marcos Rosabal Rodríguez, the deputy chief of the National Special Brigade. Other leaders, officers, combatants, and civilian workers associated with the unit also attended.
Official statements highlighted the commitment to preventing incidents like the one on January 3rd in Venezuela from happening in Cuba, and emphasized loyalty to the Communist Party and President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
During the ceremony, two combatants received Communist Party membership cards, and acknowledgments were given to notable participants.
In his address, Colonel Rosabal Rodríguez defended the actions of the officers who protected Maduro and emphasized their resolve to remain "at the forefront of the struggle," defending what he termed as the achievements of the Revolution.
The event concluded with a group photo of the National Special Brigade members and the officers involved in guarding the former Venezuelan leader.
The ceremony highlighted the close ties between Havana's security apparatus and the Venezuelan regime, at a time when both face increasing international pressure.
As Venezuela undergoes a transitional process following Maduro's capture, Cuba’s leadership publicly reiterates its political and operational support for those who defended the ex-leader, signaling its stance in the evolving regional landscape.
Understanding Cuba's Role in Venezuelan Security
Why did Cuba honor the officers guarding Nicolás Maduro?
Cuba honored these officers to recognize their role in protecting Nicolás Maduro during a critical operation and to reaffirm the country's loyalty to its allies and the principles of the Cuban Revolution.
What was the significance of the January 3rd operation in Venezuela?
The January 3rd operation was significant as it led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, marking a pivotal moment in Venezuelan politics and impacting the regional balance of power.