US Raid on Venezuela Results in 32 Cuban Deaths
A recent US military operation in Venezuela targeting Nicolás Maduro has resulted in the death of 32 Cubans, according to reports from Havana. The Cuban casualties were members of Maduro's security team, composed of personnel from the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Interior Ministry of Cuba.
Background of the Incident
Havana declared two days of mourning for the Cuban victims who were killed during the US operation aimed at capturing Maduro, a longstanding Venezuelan ally of Cuba. The news of the casualties was first acknowledged by the Cuban government on Sunday.
President Donald Trump also confirmed the loss of many Cubans during the operation, stating “A lot of Cubans were killed yesterday" while aboard his presidential plane.
Details of the Operation
The operation involved the use of drones, informants, and Delta Force commandos to neutralize defensive circles created with the help of Caracas' allies. The Cuban massacre,
as referred to by Corriere della Sera, included the death of 32 elite agents who were part of Maduro's closest security detail.
According to RT (Russia Today), the total death toll from the US operation has risen to at least 80, including both soldiers and civilians. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed that a large part
of Maduro's security detail was killed in the operation but did not release an official death toll.
Global Reactions and Implications
Reactions to the incident have varied globally. Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. President Trump warned Venezuela's interim leader to comply with US demands or face more military action, emphasizing that the US is in charge
in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the intervention has also faced criticism. Democrats condemned Trump’s daring middle-of-the-night grab of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, deeming it as illegal,
unjustified,
and unconstitutional.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris labeled the operation as unlawful
and unwise.
International law specialist Clara Gerard-Rodriguez argued in Le Monde that the intervention violates the foundational principles of contemporary international legal order, emphasizing that only the Venezuelan people are competent to decide their future.
Current Status
Following the operation, Maduro and his wife were captured and transported to the US. Trump, however, has avoided questions regarding the CIA's role in the attack or potential future American military involvement in Venezuela. As the global community continues to monitor these developments, the consequences of this incident remain uncertain.