Mon Jan 05 04:09:54 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A US military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers. The Cuban government confirmed the deaths, stating the officers were in Venezuela at the request of the Venezuelan government, without specifying their exact activities. The US operation also reportedly seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife to face prosecution for alleged narco-terrorism. Cuba has declared two days of mourning and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Cuba’s involvement in supporting Maduro’s internal security.
News Article:
US Military Action in Venezuela Claims Lives of Cuban Officers, Deepening Regional Tensions
Havana, Cuba – A US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers, the Cuban government confirmed on Sunday. The announcement marks the first official death count following the US strikes in the South American nation on January 3, 2026.
According to a statement broadcast on Cuban state television, the officers were assisting the Venezuelan military at the request of the Venezuelan government. The nature of their assistance remains unclear.
US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating, “You know, a lot of Cubans were killed yesterday… There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.”
The US operation reportedly also led to the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are set to face prosecution on charges of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. Venezuela has acknowledged casualties from the US action but hasn’t confirmed specific numbers.
Cuba has declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers. Former President Raúl Castro and President Miguel Díaz-Canel have sent condolences to the families. The identities and positions of the deceased have not yet been released.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, emphasized Cuba’s deep involvement in Venezuela, stating that Maduro’s internal security apparatus is largely staffed by Cubans. “All the guards that help protect Maduro — this is well known — their whole spy agency, all that were full of Cubans,” Rubio stated.
The incident further escalates tensions between the US, Cuba, and Venezuela, raising concerns about regional stability.
First Piper 