HUGO CHAVEZ INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
FOR PEACE, FRIENDSHIP AND SOLIDARITY
HCIF-PFS
Email contact: hugochavezfoundtaion@gmail.com
Public Statement for Immediate Release 7th January, 2026
The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) joins the international community in mourning the profound loss of Cuba’s brave servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending Venezuela’s sovereignty and homeland dignity. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, while we assure the global community that the courage, valour and unwavering dedication of these soldiers will be etched in our hearts, and will be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude.
It must be stated that on 3rd January, 2026 the US president Donald Trump and his corporate business allies initiated a criminal coup against the legitimate government of the constitutional and democratically-elected President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Nicolas Maduro. The US forces of aggression unleashed terror on the capital Caracas, causing many deaths and destruction of property.
The brave Cuban soldiers confronted the US mercenaries and local traitors and collaborators. The coup failed to achieve its primary goal of overthrowing the Bolivarian Government in Caracas, while thirty-two (32) Cuban soldiers were made martyrs. President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were kidnapped and boarded in a helicopter that took them to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, where the authorities handed them to Israeli Mossad agents deployed in the Caribbean nation to execute the terrorism action against the Venezuelan people.
To the bereaved families of the Cuban martyrs, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. The entire Corp of volunteers of the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) grieves with the Government and people of Cuba, and offer our unwavering solidarity during this incredibly difficult time. The violent attacks on Caracas on 3rd January, 2026 and unending threats of total extinction of the Venezuelan population, by the Trump administration in Washington constitute flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a member-state of the United Nations.
The Cuban martyrs gave their lives in the service of peace, stability, freedom, sovereignty and human dignity. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder that peace, sovereignty, freedom and dignity are built upon the sacrifices of those good men and women who stood during one of the most turbulent chapters in human history. The bravery exhibited by the 32 Cuban martyrs during the US led brutal invasion and aggression on Venezuela will serve as a beacon, inspiring others to fight and uphold the values of peace, sovereignty, freedom and homeland dignity. Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
The legacy of the 32 Cuban martyrs is carved not only into the soil they defended but also into the soul of every good and sane-thinking human being. While the US forces and their allies are out to destroy others for control of natural resources, Cubans chose duty over comfort and service over self. And in Venezuela, Cuba is standing firm in the face of danger. Let the world don’t forget also that the freedom and sovereign independence of Africa today was paid for with the blood of the Cuban people, their sacrifice, and unflinching solidarity.
.In solidarity, we mourn the departed martyrs; we honour the wounded and salute those who continue to serve humanity. For the Cuban martyrs, who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 3rd January, 2026 while protecting the legitimate Government and people of Venezuela against US violent imperialism, we salute their heroism and pray for the eternal repose of their souls. May their memory live on, and may God bless the Government and people of Cuba.
Sender:
Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
International Executive Director (IED) and President of the Governing Council of the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS)