MIGUEL DÍAZ-CANEL BERMÚDEZ, President of the Republic.
I HEREBY DECLARE: 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: It is with deep sorrow that our people have learned that during the criminal attack perpetrated by the government of the United States against the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, 2026, 32 Cubans lost their lives in combat while carrying out missions on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of counterpart agencies in that country.
Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of the bombing of the facilities, and they knew how to uphold, with their heroic actions, 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 5 to midnight on January 6, 2026.
SECOND: To order that while National Mourning is in effect, the Lone Star Flag be flown at half-mast on public buildings and military institutions.
THIRD: During the period of National Mourning, public entertainment and festive activities are suspended.
FOURTH: The ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Interior, and Foreign Affairs are responsible for enforcing 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
