### Tensions Rise as Cubans Rally Against U.S. Actions Following Attack on Venezuela In a significant display of solidarity, tens of thousands of Cubans gathered in Havana on January 16, 2026, to protest against the U.S. government's actions in Venezuela, particularly the killing of 32 Cuban officers during a U.S. military operation. The demonstration took place at the "José Martí Anti-Imperialist" plaza, directly across from the U.S. Embassy, highlighting the escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States. The protest was organized in response to the recent U.S. attack that resulted in the deaths of these officers, who were part of the security detail for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026. The Cuban Foreign Ministry characterized the rally as a defense of national sovereignty and peace, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel in attendance, emphasizing Cuba's commitment to dialogue with the U.S. on equal terms despite ongoing tensions [https://apnews.com/article/cuba-march-demonstration-killed-venezuela-us-trump-0b348a984cf70186e6b7a98e6ef5a427, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-cuba-protest-us-embassy-havana-venezuela-attack]. ### Overview of the Demonstration and Its Context 1. **Background of the Protest**: - The demonstration was sparked by the U.S. military's attack in Venezuela, which resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers [https://www.latintimes.com/cuban-soldiers-killed-operation-capture-maduro-returned-havana-boxes-smaller-caskets-593634]. - The Cuban government has framed the protest as a response to U.S. aggression and a defense of its sovereignty [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3772383-cuban-uproar-mourning-martyrs-amidst-us-tensions]. 2. **Key Participants**: - Tens of thousands of citizens participated, waving Cuban and Venezuelan flags, showcasing their solidarity with Venezuela and their opposition to U.S. policies [https://www.nashobavalleyvoice.com/2026/01/16/cuba-protests-us-attack-venezuela]. - President Miguel Díaz-Canel's presence underscored the government's support for the protest and its stance against U.S. actions [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-cuba-protest-us-embassy-havana-venezuela-attack]. 3. **Demands of the Protesters**: - The primary demand was the release of Nicolás Maduro, who remains in U.S. custody following his arrest [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3772383-cuban-uproar-mourning-martyrs-amidst-us-tensions]. - Protesters condemned U.S. imperialism and called for an end to sanctions that have exacerbated Cuba's economic struggles [https://www.apnews.com/article/cuba-march-demonstration-killed-venezuela-us-trump-0b348a984cf70186e6b7a98e6ef5a427]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualties**: The protest was a direct response to the killing of 32 Cuban officers, whose remains were repatriated to Cuba shortly before the demonstration [https://www.click2houston.com/news/world/2026/01/15/bodies-of-32-cuban-officers-killed-during-us-strike-on-venezuela-repatriated-as-us-threat-lingers]. - **Attendance**: Reports indicate that the crowd numbered in the tens of thousands, reflecting widespread public sentiment against U.S. actions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3772303-cuban-people-rally-against-us-policies-in-havana]. - **Government Response**: The Cuban government has reiterated its commitment to defending its sovereignty and has called for international solidarity against U.S. imperialism [https://en.vijesti.me/world-a/globus/791581/demonstrations-in-cuba-over-us-attack-on-venezuela-demand-maduro's-release]. ### Conclusion: A Unified Stand Against U.S. Aggression The mass demonstration in Havana represents a pivotal moment in Cuba's ongoing struggle against perceived U.S. imperialism. The key findings from the event include: 1. **Widespread Public Support**: The large turnout indicates significant public backing for the Cuban government's stance against U.S. actions in Venezuela. 2. **Call for Solidarity**: The protest not only mourned the loss of Cuban officers but also called for solidarity with Venezuela and the release of Maduro. 3. **Government's Position**: The Cuban leadership, represented by President Díaz-Canel, has made it clear that they will continue to oppose U.S. policies while advocating for dialogue on equal terms. This event underscores the deepening rift between Cuba and the United States, as well as the Cuban government's efforts to rally domestic and international support against U.S. interventions in the region [https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-01-16/cuba-launches-mass-demonstration-to-decry-u-s-attack-on-venezuela].