32 Cubans killed in US special operation, turbulent Latin politics - Cuba declares two days of state mourning

At least 32 Cuban citizens have been killed in a US special operation conducted in the Venezuelan capital Caracas to capture President Nicolas Maduro. The Cuban government has officially confirmed the loss of life. This information was reported in a report by Al Jazeera on Monday (January 5). The Cuban government has declared two days of state mourning on Monday and Tuesday in memory of the victims and in strong protest against the incident.

Cuban authorities said that detailed programs for the funerals and official state ceremonies of the victims will be published very soon. This attack on Cuban citizens, a long-time ally of Venezuela, has caused deep grief and anger in the context of the close relations between the two countries. At the same time, the incident has created new tensions in regional diplomacy.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with the New York Post on Sunday that Cuban citizens tried to protect President Maduro during the operation. According to Trump, this preventive stance made the situation more confrontational and resulted in casualties. He said that the Cubans' decision "did not bring good results" for them.

According to US media reports, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has long relied on Cuban bodyguards and advisers for his personal security and important political advice. When US forces tried to enter Maduro's location during the operation last Saturday, Cuban security personnel deployed there blocked it. Then a fierce clash broke out between the two sides, which turned deadly.

On the other hand, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were brought to New York, USA, after being detained in Venezuela last Saturday (January 3). They are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Their first appearance in federal court in Manhattan is scheduled for Monday afternoon local time, a court spokesman said.

The Maduros are facing a series of serious charges, including drug trafficking, which have deepened uncertainty about Venezuela's political future. In addition, the Trump administration has issued new warnings to the country's interim leadership, which has increased political unrest and anxiety across Latin America.

Source: Al Jazeera