Cuba launches mass demonstration to decry US attack on Venezuela and demand Maduro’s release

On January 16, 2026, Cuba launched a mass demonstration in Havana to protest a U.S. operation in Venezuela. The rally, organized by the Cuban government, specifically decried the killing of Cuban officers during the U.S. action, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Demonstrators marched outside the U.S. Embassy, carrying Cuban flags and demanding Maduro's release. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel participated in the protest, holding a Cuban flag and marching alongside the demonstrators. The event highlights Cuba's strong condemnation of U.S. involvement in Venezuela and its support for the Maduro regime.

In January 2026, Cuba received the remains of 32 Cuban soldiers. The soldiers were killed during a US bombing of Venezuela. The repatriation ceremony in Cuba included a guard of honor led by former Cuban President Raul Castro. The event marks a somber moment in the relationship between Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States, highlighting the human cost of international conflict. The article does not specify the exact date of the bombing or why the Cuban soldiers were in Venezuela.

Cuba mourned the loss of 32 troops killed in Venezuela during a recent U.S. military intervention. The remains were returned to Havana with full military honors, attended by Cuban leadership. This event marks the largest loss of Cuban combatants to U.S. forces since the Bay of Pigs invasion. The incident has forced the Cuban government to acknowledge the presence of its intelligence officers within the Venezuelan government, confirming long-standing claims of Cuban involvement in Venezuela's security apparatus. These officers were part of a strategy to help the Maduro regime maintain power. The deaths have raised concerns within Cuba about the implications of their alliance with Venezuela.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated on January 12, 2026, that Cuba is not currently engaged in broader talks with the United States, despite ongoing routine coordination on immigration. This announcement follows escalating threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested increased pressure on Cuba after a U.S. attack in Venezuela. Diaz-Canel affirmed Cuba's willingness to engage in respectful dialogue based on sovereign equality and international law, but rejected "hostility, threats, and economic coercion." Trump had warned Cuba to make a deal with the U.S. and threatened to cut off Venezuelan oil supplies, a crucial resource for the heavily sanctioned island nation. Diaz-Canel responded by asserting Cuba's independence and commitment to defending its sovereignty.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated on Sunday that Cuba would defend itself "to the last drop of blood" in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Cuba to make a deal with the U.S. Trump's statement followed his claim that Cuba had been living off Venezuelan oil and money in exchange for security services, which he said would no longer be the case due to U.S. protection of Venezuela. Díaz-Canel blamed U.S. sanctions for Cuba's economic struggles, asserting Cuba's sovereignty and right to self-defense against U.S. aggression. U.S. Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-born politician, responded to Díaz-Canel, criticizing the Cuban leadership and expressing hope for change.

Donald Trump has warned Cuba to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro and a halt to Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Trump stated that Cuba would receive "ZERO" oil or money from Venezuela, urging them to negotiate before it's "too late." He claimed Cuba previously relied on Venezuelan oil and money in exchange for security services, alleging many Cuban security personnel died in a recent US attack. Cuba's foreign minister refuted claims of compensation for security services and asserted Cuba's right to import fuel from any country, accusing the US of criminal behavior. The US and Venezuela are reportedly working on a $2 billion oil deal, signaling a potential shift in relations.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that no more Venezuelan oil or money would go to Cuba, urging the island nation to strike a deal with the US. This announcement comes after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and a strict US oil blockade on Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier. Trump suggested Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan resources and should negotiate with the US before it's "too late." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threats, asserting Cuba's sovereignty and right to defend itself. Cuban officials also defended Cuba's right to import fuel from any willing supplier and accused the US of acting as a criminal hegemon.

Donald Trump is pressuring Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, citing the end of Venezuelan oil and financial support. Trump stated that the U.S. will no longer allow oil or money to flow from Venezuela to Cuba, ending Cuba's provision of security services to Venezuelan leaders. This follows a U.S. raid in Venezuela that resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban nationals who were providing security for Nicolás Maduro. Trump asserted that the U.S. will now protect Venezuela. While Cuba has not responded, President Díaz-Canel previously honored the deceased Cubans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Cuba's leaders should be worried, and Trump reposted a message suggesting Rubio could become president of Cuba.

The United States State Department has urged American citizens to immediately leave Venezuela due to reports of armed pro-government militias, known as colectivos, searching for U.S. citizens and supporters. This alert follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. and subsequent unrest, including colectivos establishing roadblocks and checkpoints. While Maduro's successor has called for improved relations with the U.S., the State Department warns of a volatile situation with colectivos patrolling Caracas and increased security measures on major roads. The U.S. is advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution and take advantage of available international flights to depart the country. State Department officials visited Caracas on Friday to prepare for the potential reopening of the U.S. embassy.

The U.S. government issued a security alert on January 10th, urging American citizens in Venezuela to leave the country immediately due to safety concerns. The U.S. Embassy Caracas cited reports of armed militias, known as "colectivos," establishing roadblocks and searching vehicles, potentially targeting U.S. citizens or those perceived as supporting the United States. The alert emphasizes the U.S. government's inability to provide emergency services or consular assistance in Venezuela, as all diplomatic personnel were withdrawn in March 2019. The State Department continues to advise against travel to Venezuela, listing it at Level 4: Do Not Travel, due to risks including wrongful detention, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest. With the resumption of international flights, Americans are advised to depart Venezuela as soon as it is safe to do so.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, both countries announced they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties. Venezuela stated it would send a delegation to Washington to assess its embassy, while U.S. diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate resuming embassy operations after nearly seven years. The exploratory diplomatic process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and address the consequences of Maduro's capture. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicting actions, such as the U.S. targeting drug cartels allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government, both sides have expressed interest in a potential restoration of relations. These developments highlight the rapidly evolving and contradictory nature of the U.S.-Venezuela relationship.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 5, 2026, President Trump stated that Cuba is weakened and "ready to fall" due to the loss of Venezuelan oil revenue. He suggested military intervention in Cuba may not be necessary, anticipating its collapse. Cuba's foreign minister expressed concern that Maduro's overthrow creates an existential threat to Cuba's sovereignty. The U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil is cutting off a crucial economic lifeline for Cuba, exacerbating an existing economic crisis and political dissatisfaction on the island. The situation places Cuba in a precarious position, potentially inviting further U.S. action.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump threatened Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of drug trafficking and suggesting a possible US operation in Colombia "sounds good." Trump made the comments while aboard Air Force One, following the US abduction of Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro. He also stated that Cuba "looks like it's ready to fall" due to a lack of income following the loss of Venezuelan oil revenue. Trump asserted that the US is "in charge" of Venezuela, despite the country's Supreme Court appointing an interim leader. Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in court in New York on drug-related charges.

On January 5, 2026, Cuba announced two days of mourning for 32 Cuban "fighters" killed during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. According to the state-run Prensa Latina agency, the Cubans were killed while assisting the Venezuelan military at the request of the Venezuelan government, either in direct combat or during bombings. The U.S. operation involved the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. Venezuelan Minister of Defence General Vladimir Padrino stated that the U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers, civilians, and Maduro's security detail. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Cuban deaths during the raids, stating there were no U.S. casualties.