Thousands of Cubans assembled outside the United States Embassy in Havana on January 16, 2026, in a government-organised demonstration to denounce what they described as U.S. military aggression in the region following a U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and the deaths of Cuban officers.

The rally, held at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Plaza, saw demonstrators waving Cuban and Venezuelan flags, chanting slogans against foreign intervention and expressing solidarity with Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, dressed in military attire, addressed the crowd, condemning the American action and reaffirming Cuba’s steadfast support for its long-standing ally.

Thousands participated in a symbolic “combatant march” to honour the memory of the 32 Cuban military and intelligence officers whose deaths Havana says occurred during the U.S. operation in Caracas in early January.

The remains of the officers were returned to Cuba earlier in the week and publicly mourned across the island in official ceremonies that included provincial commemorations.

The Cuban government emphasised its willingness to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect, while firmly rejecting coercion or conditions imposed by the United States.

President Díaz-Canel reiterated that Cuba will always defend national sovereignty, framing the demonstration as a unified expression of resistance to perceived external pressure.

The mass gathering also underscored the heightened tensions between Havana and Washington, which have intensified since the U.S. military action in Venezuela.

Many demonstrators called for an end to what they described as imperialistic policies and voiced deep solidarity with the Venezuelan people amid the unfolding crisis.

The event concluded with official tributes to the fallen Cuban officers and a public reaffirmation of Cuba’s commitment to regional unity and mutual defence among allied nations.