Cuba announces 32 compatriots killed in criminal US attack, declares period of National Mourning

Via the Communist Party of Cuba Editorial Team, translated from the Spanish

As a result of the criminal attack perpetrated by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, carried out in the early hours of January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat. They were carrying out missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of counterpart organizations in that country.

Faithful to their security and defense duties, our compatriots honorably and heroically fulfilled their obligations, falling after intense resistance in direct combat with the attackers or due to the bombing of the facilities.

Once their identity was verified, the relatives of our fallen comrades were informed, and received the heartfelt condolences and support of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, as well as the heads of both ministries.

As victims of a new, criminal act of aggression and state terrorism, the combatants successfully inspired millions of compatriots to show solidarity through their heroic actions. The Revolutionary Government will arrange appropriate measures to honor and pay tribute to them as they deserve.

President of the Republic declares National Mourning

MIGUEL DÍAZ-CANEL BERMÚDEZ, President of the Republic.

I HEREBY MAKE IT KNOWN: That by virtue of the provisions of Articles 125 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba and 24, paragraph x), of Law 136 of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Cuba, of October 28, 2020, I have considered the following:

WHEREAS: With deep sorrow our people have learned that during the criminal attack perpetrated by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, carried out in the early morning of January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans, who were carrying out missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, lost their lives in combat, serving at the request of counterpart bodies in that country.

Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of the installations and knew how to inspire, with their heroic action, the feeling of solidarity of millions of compatriots.

THEREFORE: In the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 128, subsection ñ), of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, I have decided to issue the following:

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1147

FIRST: To declare two days of National Mourning, from 6:00 a.m. on January 5 until 12 p.m. on January 6, 2026.

SECOND: To order that while the National Mourning is in force, the Flag of the Lone Star shall be hoisted at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions.

THIRD: During the period of the National Mourning, public shows and festive activities are suspended.

FOURTH: The Ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, of the Interior and of Foreign Affairs, are in charge of complying with the provisions of this Decree.

BE PUBLISHED in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba.

DONE, at the Palace of the Revolution, on the 4th day of the month of January 2026. Year of the Centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

President of the Republic

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