Thirty-two Cubans killed during US attack on Venezuela

The Cuban government has said 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

It said the dead were members of its armed forces and intelligence agencies, with two days of national mourning declared.

A short statement did not elaborate on the role of the Cubans in Venezuela, but the two governments are long-standing allies, with Cuba providing security support in exchange for oil.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said they had been providing protection to Maduro and his wife "at the request" of Venezuela.