HAVANA – On Friday, a massive gathering of tens of thousands took place in Havana’s iconic “Anti-Imperialist Tribune,” directly across from the U.S. Embassy. The demonstrators were there to voice their outrage over the deaths of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela and to call for the release of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. government.

Participants waved Cuban and Venezuelan flags during this government-organized protest, which comes amid escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States. The friction intensified following a U.S. operation in Caracas on January 3, which led to Maduro’s arrest.

“The entire Nation rises up!” declared Cuba’s Foreign Ministry through a post on X. “This is a powerful response to those who seek to challenge the peace and sovereignty we have long defended.”

The 32 Cuban officers, who were part of Maduro’s security team, lost their lives during the January 3 raid aimed at capturing the ex-leader and extraditing him to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges.

As the Cuban national anthem played at the demonstration, large Cuban flags fluttered in the brisk wind, and waves crashed against Havana’s famous pier. President Miguel Díaz-Canel mingled with the crowd, many of whom were wrapped in jackets and scarves against the chill.

This demonstration showcased a strong display of public support following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent ultimatum for Cuba to negotiate a deal with him, though specifics of such a deal were not disclosed.

Trump also has said that Cuba will no longer live off Venezuela’s oil and money. Experts say the move could have catastrophic consequences since Cuba is already struggling with severe blackouts.

Friday’s demonstration was expected to become a parade that Cubans call a “combatant march,” a custom that originated during the time of the late leader Fidel Castro.

Washington has maintained a policy of sanctions against Cuba since the 1960s, but during Trump’s presidency, the sanctions were further tightened, suffocating the island’s economy, an objective explicitly acknowledged by the White House.

On Thursday, tens of thousands of Cubans gathered at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Armed Forces to pay their respects to the 32 officers killed.

Their remains arrived home on Thursday morning, and they are scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday afternoon in various cemeteries following memorial ceremonies in all of Cuba’s provincial capitals.