The Cuban government has once again turned to propaganda in an attempt to glorify one of its most controversial moments in Venezuela. On January 3, a U.S. operation led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, resulting in the deaths of 32 Cuban military personnel.
On Tuesday, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) organized a gathering in Havana. This meeting included four members of the Personal Security Directorate who were involved in the events and survived the U.S. military's offensive.
During the event, officials portrayed these individuals as "combatants" who faced the "Yankee aggression," placing them at the heart of a narrative centered around heroism and resilience.
According to a post by Minint Hoy on Facebook, a minute of silence was observed for the 32 Cubans who perished in Venezuela, and a video titled Honor and Glory, produced by the organization's Political Directorate, was shown.
The message was filled with slogans advocating direct confrontation with Washington. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to defend the gains of the Revolution "to the last drop of blood," amidst what they described as a "new aggressive escalation" by the United States against Cuba.
In his keynote speech, First Colonel Aldo Valdez Quijano praised the survivors, stating they demonstrated the "courage of the Cuban people." Despite facing an opponent "vastly superior in weaponry and manpower," he claimed their actions were "stronger" and showcased national unity.
The deaths of the 32 military personnel have highlighted the direct involvement of MININT and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) in security missions in Venezuela, despite years of public denial by Havana.
Key Questions About Cuban Military's Role in Venezuela
What was the outcome of the U.S. operation in Venezuela on January 3?
The U.S. operation resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the deaths of 32 Cuban military personnel.
How did the Cuban government portray the surviving officers?
The Cuban government depicted the surviving officers as heroes who bravely faced the "Yankee aggression" during the U.S. operation.