Havana, Jan 4 (Prensa Latina) The Revolutionary Government of Cuba reported today that 32 Cuban citizens died during the military attack perpetrated by the United States against Venezuela in the early hours of January 3.

According to official information, the fighters were carrying out missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of counterpart bodies in the South American country.

The text specifies that the Cubans “fell in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of the facilities”, after offering “fierce resistance”.

Once their identities were verified, their families were informed and received condolences from Army General Raúl Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution, President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the heads of the institutions to which they belonged.

The Cuban government described the events as “a new criminal act of aggression and state terrorism,” and stressed that the combatants “knew how to uphold, with their heroic actions, the solidarity of millions of compatriots.”

He also announced that he will organize the corresponding actions to pay them the tribute they deserve.

In honor of the fallen combatants, President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared national mourning, which will be in effect from 6:00 am (local time) on Monday, January 5, until 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, January 6.

During that period, the Lone Star Flag will fly at half-staff on all public buildings and military installations in the country.

President of the Republic declares National Mourning

 It will be in effect from 6:00 am on January 5th until midnight on January 6th, 2026  

Photo: Ricardo López Hevia

MIGUEL DÍAZ-CANEL BERMÚDEZ, President of the Republic.

I HEREBY ANNOUNCE: That by virtue of the provisions of Article 125 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba and Article 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 United States government against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, carried out in the early morning of January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat actions, who were fulfilling missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of counterpart bodies of that country.

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

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

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1147

FIRST: Declare two days of National Mourning, from 6:00 am on January 5th until midnight on January 6th, 2026.

SECOND: To order that while the National Mourning is in effect, the Lone Star Flag be flown at half-mast on public buildings and military institutions.

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

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

PUBLISH in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba.

GIVEN , at the Palace of the Revolution, on the 4th day of January 2026. “Year of the Centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz”.

 Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

 President of the Republic