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Cuba Rallies After Honoring 32 Killed in U.S. Raid as Venezuela Puts Death Toll at 83

Havana is pressing for Maduro’s release under fresh U.S. threats to choke off Venezuelan oil.

A motorcade transports the Cuban‑flag‑draped urns of soldiers killed in the U.S. strike and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on January 3, as Cuba honors them with a caravan through Havana on January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Cubans pay their respects as a motorcade transports the remains of soldiers killed in the U.S. strike and capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on January 3, as Cuba honors the soldiers, in Havana, Cuba, January 15, 2026. Ernesto Mastrascusa/Pool via REUTERS
The Cuban flag flies at half mast in front of the U.S. Embassy after the Cuban government ordered a two-day period of national mourning following the deaths of Cubans in the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Havana, Cuba January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Workers fly the Cuban flag at half-staff at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune near the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in memory of Cubans who died two days before in Caracas, Venezuela during the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Overview

  • Tens of thousands gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Havana to denounce the January 3 operation and call for Nicolás Maduro’s release as he remains in U.S. custody on drug-related charges in New York.
  • Cuba held state tributes after receiving the cremated remains of 32 military and intelligence personnel who served on Maduro’s protection team, with top leaders presiding.
  • Venezuela’s defense minister revised the toll to 83 dead, including 47 Venezuelan troops and 32 Cubans, a figure that has not been independently verified and differs from earlier counts.
  • President Donald Trump warned Cuba to “make a deal” and vowed to cut off Venezuelan oil and money to the island, a move experts say could sharply worsen Cuba’s energy crisis.
  • Reports clarified that the small boxes seen at ceremonies contained cremated ashes, countering viral social‑media claims about exotic weapons producing “shrunken” remains.