The bodies of the 32 Cuban soldiers who fell in Venezuela during an operation to capture Nicolás Maduro were repatriated this Thursday to Havana, amid an official display full of political symbolism and with expectations of intense popular mobilization.
At dawn on this January 15, an ATR 42-500 aircraft of Cubana de Aviación landed at the José Martí International Airport in Havana with the remains of Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela on January 3 “in the line of duty,” according to the official statement.
A military ceremony is expected to take place on the site, marking the first posthumous tribute in the presence of military authorities, representatives of the Communist Party, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX).
Funeral procession and tribute at MINFAR
After the initial ceremony, the coffins must be transported along Rancho Boyeros Avenue to the headquarters of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), where a wake will be set up to allow the public to pay their respects to the deceased starting at 10:00 a.m.
From early in the morning, official institutions began mobilizing workers, students, and members of political organizations to accompany the procession.
“Since 6:00 a.m. we have been at Avenida Boyeros and Tulipán for the tribute to the 32 fallen fighters. Here now, alongside young people from the #MINREX”, an official source posted on social media along with images of the mobilization in the streets for the reception of the funeral procession.
Security operation and street closures
Previously, the Provincial Road Safety Commission of Havana announced an extensive organizational plan starting from the early hours of Thursday to ensure the ceremonial route.
Since 4:00 a.m., vehicular traffic and parking have been restricted in multiple areas of the city.
Starting at 7:00 a.m., operational closures were activated at all intersections between Van Troy Avenue and Paseo Street.
The authorities recommended using alternative routes such as the Calabazar road, the Murgas road, or Project 3 towards 114th Street.
National tributes and patriotic march
The commemorations will continue on Friday, January 16.
At 7:30 a.m., a mass gathering will take place at the José Martí Antimperialist Tribune, on the Havana waterfront, as the start of the so-called March of the Fighting People, conceived as an expression of "patriotic commitment" and the loyalty between Cuba and Venezuela.
At 9:00 a.m., simultaneous tribute ceremonies will take place in all the provincial capitals of the country.
Finally, at 4:00 p.m., the bodies will be buried in the cemeteries of the Fallen for Defense, in their respective locations.
"All municipalities in the country will hold posthumous tribute events. Honor and glory to our heroes!" the Communist Party recently posted on their social media.
Reception of injured soldiers
Previously, the Cuban regime welcomed a group of soldiers and collaborators who were injured during the U.S. operation in Venezuela on Wednesday.
In that case, the arrival also took place at the José Martí International Airport, where they were received by high-ranking officials of the Communist Party and the Army, according to the official media outlet Cubadebate.
An operation with high impact and geopolitical consequences
The 32 Cuban soldiers died on January 3, 2026, during an international operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.
The attack, which led to the collapse of Maduro's regime, was justified by Washington as an "urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe."
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez took over the leadership of the country amid a fragile political transition, with international oversight.
Surprise visit from Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez
In the days leading up to the arrival of the remains, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez made an unannounced visit to Venezuela, where he took part in an official event honoring the fallen combatants, both Cuban and Venezuelan.
The presence of the official was not reported by state media or through usual diplomatic channels.
During the ceremony, posthumous promotions and decorations were awarded to the fallen, reinforcing the message of unity, sacrifice, and resilience shared by both governments.
The information silence and the narrative of heroism
Despite the propaganda efforts to pay tribute to the 32 soldiers, the Cuban state has not provided explanations regarding the direct involvement of its troops in a foreign war setting.
Neither the citizens nor the independent press are aware of the details regarding the type of mission they were carrying out, the total number of personnel deployed, or the terms of the military agreement with Caracas.
The official silence contrasts with the intensity of the symbolic campaign in state media, which seeks to consolidate a narrative of heroism and ideological loyalty.
References to "internationalism," "imperialist aggression," and "patriotic honor" evoke earlier passages of Cuban foreign policy, such as military campaigns in Africa.
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