Cuba Honors 32 Soldiers Killed in US Attack on Venezuela

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has paid tribute to 32 Cuban soldiers who were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela earlier this month. The remains of the soldiers arrived at Havana’s international airport early Thursday, accompanied by dignitaries including former Cuban leader Raul Castro.

Diaz-Canel described the soldiers as having “heroically fallen in defense of the sovereignty of a sister nation.” Interior Minister General Lazaro Alberto Alvarez also praised the soldiers, stating that they had “fought to the last bullet” during the US military’s January 3 attack on Caracas. The Cuban government has expressed gratitude for the soldiers’ service.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has rejected international criticism of the raid, saying he will only be guided by his own morality. This has led to increased tensions between the US and Cuba, with Trump warning Havana that it must make a deal before it’s “too late.” Diaz-Canel responded by stating that Cuba would defend its homeland “to the last drop of blood.”

A rally is planned for Friday in front of the US embassy in Havana to protest the Trump administration’s operation in Venezuela. Maduro, who was abducted by US forces alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, is being held in the US on drug-related charges.

The remains of the Cuban soldiers were transferred from the airport to the armed forces ministry along one of Havana’s main boulevards, where thousands of people paid their respects. Residents also lined up throughout the day to pay their respects at the ministry.

Source: Al Jazeera