National Mourning declared for fallen Cuban combatants in Venezuela

MIGUEL DÍAZ-CANEL BERMÚDEZ, President of the Republic

I HEREBY STATE : That by virtue of the provisions of Article 125 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba and Article 24, paragraph x), of Law 136 “On the President and Vice President of the Republic of Cuba,” of October 28, 2020, I have considered the following:

WHEREAS: Our people have learned with profound sorrow that during the criminal attack perpetrated by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, carried out in the early morning of January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat, while serving on missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of their counterparts in that country.

Our compatriots honorably fulfilled their duty and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of the facilities, and with their heroic actions, they upheld the solidarity of millions of compatriots.

THEREFORE: In the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 128, paragraph ñ), of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba, I have decided to issue the following:

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1147

FIRST: To declare two days of National Mourning, from 6:00 a.m. on January 5th until midnight on January 6th, 2026.

SECOND: To order that, while the National Mourning is in effect, the Cuban flag be flown at half-mast on public buildings and military institutions.

THIRD: During the period of National Mourning, all public performances and festive activities are suspended.

FOURTH: The Ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Interior, and Foreign Affairs are charged with ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Decree.

PUBLISHED in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba.

GIVEN at the Palace of the Revolution, on the 4th day of January 2026. “Year of the Centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.”

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
President of the Republic