Cuba receives remains of 32 soldiers killed in U.S. strike on Venezuela

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Footage broadcasted by Cuba's state television shows the remains of 32 Cuban military officers killed during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela returned to Cuba on Thursday Jan 15, 2026 in a solemn ceremony attended by government leaders and thousands of people. The Cuban government said the personnel were in Venezuela under a defence agreement to protect Nicolás Maduro when they were killed during the U.S. assault that resulted in Maduro’s capture earlier this month. State media showed military honors and a mass tribute as the remains arrived in Havana, with leaders including Miguel Díaz-Canel and former President Raúl Castro presiding over the ceremony. The return of the remains has renewed tensions between Cuba and the United States after the strike, which Havana characterized as an attack on its forces. Cuban authorities said the fallen were carrying out missions as part of longstanding security cooperation with Venezuela. Thousands attended memorials across Cuba as nationwide tributes began, underscoring the political and emotional impact of the deaths on the island.