KABUL: The Cuban government has declared two days of national mourning following the deaths of 32 of its citizens during the U.S. operation to arrest Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela.
Al Jazeera, citing Prensa Latina, Cuba’s state news agency, reported that the Cubans were killed during “missions” carried out at the request of the Venezuelan government for its military forces.
The report states that Cuban forces were killed either in direct combat with U.S. troops during Maduro’s arrest or as a result of bombardments from U.S. fighter jets.
Cuba has designated January 5 and 6 as days of national mourning.
Reports indicate that following heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, Cuban forces had assumed responsibility for ensuring Nicolás Maduro’s security. Venezuela is considered a key supplier of oil necessary for Cuba.
Cuba declares national mourning amid aftermath of Nicolás Maduro’s arrest
