U.S. military operation kills 32 Cubans in Venezuela

Jan. 5 (UPI) — Thirty-two Cubans were killed in the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, according to Havana.

A late Sunday statement from the office of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez announced the death toll from Saturday’s U.S. attack on Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of its authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro.

“Faithful to their responsibilities for security and defense, our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombardment of facilities,” Bermudez’ office said.

The families of the deceased have been informed and were offered the “heartfelt condolences” of Army General Raul Castro Ruz, Cuba’s former president.

“I share the pain and indignation of our people, and especially of the loved ones of our valiant comrades,” Bermudez said in a statement.

“As I embrace their families and friends in this dire hour, I reiterate my great affection, admiration and pride in them and in their heroic conduct.”

Those killed were in Venezuela carrying out missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior. They were there at the request of Caracas, Cuba said.

The announcement is the first official casualty count made public following the United States’ early Saturday attack on Venezuela, which included the bombing of the capital.

The United States has framed the military action as a law enforcement operation to detain Maduro as he has been indicted in the United States on drug trafficking charges. The operation has raised questions over its legality under international law and drawn criticism, including from allies France and Colombia.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One that “a lot of Cubans” were killed in the attack, but did not know how many.

“No death on our side, but there was a lot of death on the other side, unfortunately,” he said.

It was unclear how many Venezuelans were killed and injured in the Saturday attack.