Cuba holds mass protest at U.S. embassy to denounce Venezuela raid and demand Maduro's release

Tens of thousands gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana to protest a Jan. 3 raid in Venezuela that officials say killed 32 Cuban officers; their remains arrived and burials were scheduled after memorials.

Tens of thousands of people gathered Friday at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist plaza across from the U.S. Embassy in Havana in a demonstration organized by the Cuban government. The rally followed a Jan. 3 operation in Venezuela that officials say resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers and involved an effort to seize former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. President Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke to the crowd and people carried large Cuban flags and images of the officers. The officers' remains arrived in Cuba and memorial ceremonies were held across provincial capitals ahead of scheduled burials later that day. Key facts: - The demonstration took place at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist plaza opposite the U.S. Embassy in Havana and drew tens of thousands of participants. - Cuban officials say 32 Cuban officers were killed in the Jan. 3 raid in Venezuela that targeted former President Nicolás Maduro. - The event was organized by the Cuban government and included remarks by President Miguel Díaz-Canel. - The officers' remains arrived in Cuba; memorial services were held in provincial capitals and burials were scheduled for later that day. Summary: The demonstration highlighted heightened tensions between Havana and Washington following the reported Jan. 3 operation in Venezuela and the deaths of Cuban officers. Memorial services took place and the officers were scheduled to be laid to rest later in the day.