Thousands of Cuban Personnel Begin Departing Caracas
CARACAS — Thousands of Cuban security personnel have begun leaving the capital Caracas after nearly two decades of presence in Venezuela, as Washington increases pressure to dismantle one of Latin America's oldest left-wing alliances.
According to US estimates, up to 25,000 Cuban soldiers, bodyguards, and intelligence agents operated in Venezuela under an undisclosed security agreement, dating back to the era of the late leader Hugo Chavez. This agreement helped protect the socialist government in Caracas from internal instability.
Following Maduro's Apprehension
Former President Nicolas Maduro had relied on elite Cuban forces for his personal security. In the January 3 operation to apprehend Maduro, carried out by US forces, 32 Cuban personnel were killed.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is now using Venezuelan security forces as a replacement, according to Reuters. Havana only acknowledged the presence of "Cuban fighters" in Venezuela last month, after years of denial.
It is currently unclear whether the Cuban forces are withdrawing at the direction of Caracas, due to a decision from Havana, or because of a changing political situation. The exact number of individuals who have left Venezuela has not been disclosed. Some military advisors and intelligence agents may still remain to monitor the situation.
Oil and Personnel Alliance
Under the framework of bilateral cooperation, thousands of Cuban doctors, nurses, and sports coaches work in Venezuela. In return, the oil-rich nation supplies essential crude oil to Cuba.
The Trump administration views ending the Caracas-Havana alliance as a central goal following Maduro's capture. Washington imposed a blockade on oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba in December and threatened tariffs on countries that supply or sell oil to Havana.
A White House official stated that the United States maintains contact with Cuba, while also asserting a "good relationship" with the current Venezuelan leadership and believing that Rodriguez's interests align with Washington's objectives.
Havana's Response
The Cuban government declared its readiness for dialogue on the basis of equality, while criticizing the oil blockade and vowing to resist all forms of intervention.
According to Frank Mora, former US Ambassador to the Organization of American States, Rodriguez is cautiously distancing herself from Cuba until her position of power becomes clearer, but does not yet wish to sever ties completely.
Cuba's troop withdrawal indicates a continued shift in the balance of power in Caracas, as Washington intensifies economic and diplomatic pressure to restructure regional relations.
