Cuba Confronts Crisis as Venezuela Faces Oil Shortage

A Cuban immigrant, Joseph Hernandez, who’s running for comptroller in New York, recently recounted his family’s escape from Cuba. He expressed concerns about the uncertain future of the island following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and emphasized its reliance on Venezuelan oil.

On Tuesday, Cuba’s Communist Party spokesperson confirmed that 32 military members died during a U.S. operation that aimed to apprehend Maduro. This group, consisting of both soldiers and police officers, had been acting on behalf of the Venezuelan government. The Cuban government released their names, ranks, and ages shortly after.

The official Cuban newspaper, Granma, shared a statement indicating that these individuals “lost their lives in acts of hostility and fierce resistance” and labeled the operation a criminal act of aggression by the U.S. against Venezuela. They were part of missions for the Revolutionary Army and the Ministry of the Interior, as requested by their Venezuelan counterparts.

Cuba declared two days of mourning following this event, which targeted high-ranking officials, including colonels and majors, aged between 26 to 60. However, there’s little clarity around the specific circumstances of their deaths or their intended mission.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez remarked on social media that the Cuban populace is prepared to “sacrifice their lives” in response to any U.S. interventions. He criticized President Biden for, in his view, echoing false narratives pushed by Cuban-American politicians and undermining the Cuban people. He asserted that Cuba’s resilient history of struggle would continue against any aggression.

Former President Trump remarked about the casualties among Cubans during the incident and mentioned that although many Venezuelans also suffered losses, his side was unscathed.

The Trump administration described the deceased as unauthorized members of Maduro’s national security apparatus. In recent years, Cuba’s involvement in Venezuela has deepened, with Cuban operatives now prominent within the country’s security forces.

Senator Marco Rubio, who is vocally critical of Cuba’s communist regime, claimed that Venezuelan intelligence services are significantly staffed by Cubans. He noted that Venezuelans must strive for independence from Cuba’s influence, likening it to a form of colonization affecting their national security.