Cuba is mourning 32 troops killed in Venezuela, its biggest combat loss since the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. From the airport to the Armed Forces Ministry in Havana, thousands gathered to honor the fallen soldiers. The ashes of the 32 dead, draped in Cuban flags, were laid beside their photos under the words "honour and glory". This event marks a turning point for Cuba. It forced the government to admit it has had intelligence officers inside Venezuela's power hubs for years. These Cuban officers helped Venezuela’s government hold control. The deaths happened during a recent US military action aiming to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. In a surprising shift, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez praised US President Trump after her phone call with him, showing a thaw in relations. Yet, Cuba’s future remains uncertain. Victor Dreke, an 88-year-old revolutionary who fought alongside Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, said Cuba would fiercely fight any US invasion, unlike the ambush in Venezuela. Cuban state TV now shows reservists training with weapons. The island faces deep problems, including blackouts, fuel shortages, and economic struggles worsened by the US embargo. The loss of Venezuelan support adds to Cuba's challenges. Still, Dreke insists Cuba will survive tough times with revolutionary spirit. He said Cuba does not seek conflict with the Trump administration but will stay ready to defend itself.