In a poignant display of grief and defiance, Venezuela recently held a solemn military funeral in its capital, honoring dozens of soldiers lost during a controversial US operation. The air hung heavy with the mournful strains of a military orchestra as caskets, draped in the Venezuelan flag, were carried past rows of uniformed officers and weeping families. “Thank you for letting them embrace a military career,” military commander Rafael Murillo said, offering solace to the loved ones gathered. A gun salute echoed through the cemetery as the fallen were laid to rest, their sacrifice a stark reminder of escalating tensions.
These soldiers met their end during a US military operation aimed at capturing then-President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who have since pleaded not guilty to drug charges in a US court. Following the tragic event, acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a seven-day period of national mourning.
The true toll of the operation remains disputed. Venezuela’s military reported at least 24 officers killed, while Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed a much higher figure of 100 casualties. Cuba also announced the loss of 32 Cuban military and police officers serving in Venezuela. Attorney General Tarek William Saab has vowed to investigate the deaths as a potential “war crime,” adding another layer of complexity to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan military expressed their unwavering resolve on social media, proclaiming that the spilled blood of their comrades cries out not for vengeance, but for justice and strength. They reaffirmed their oath to rescue their legitimate President, dismantle “terrorist groups,” and ensure the nation’s sovereign soil remains inviolate from such future events. The funerals underscore the deep human cost of ongoing political and international conflicts.
