India, Jan. 5 -- Cuba has announced that 32 of its citizens were killed during the recent US military operation in Venezuela. The mission aimed to capture President Nicolas Maduro and took place in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, over the weekend. The Cuban government said the deaths occurred amid intense fighting and bombings during the raid.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared two days of national mourning on January 5 and 6. He honoured the fallen personnel as dedicated and brave combatants who fought in defence of Venezuela. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Cuba is a close ally of Venezuela and has long supported its government with military and intelligence personnel. These 32 victims were reportedly part of a missio...