The Cuban government harshly criticized the United States on Thursday for its decision to increase the reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from $25 million to $50 million. Maduro, a staunch ally of Cuba, is accused by Washington of drug trafficking and terrorism.
On the social media platform X, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the U.S. of acting as a "global judge" to justify "illegal and unilateral measures against Venezuela and its legitimate president." Echoing this sentiment, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla labeled the bounty as "fraudulent," describing it as "a new act of aggression against our sister nation," and asserted that the U.S. "lacks both legal and moral authority" to enforce such actions.
Other prominent Cuban officials, including Vice President Roberto Morales Ojeda, who is increasingly becoming a significant figure within Cuba's power structure, and Deputy General Director for the U.S. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Johana Tablada, joined in condemning the decision. They described it as an "illegitimate maneuver," a "cowardly act," and evidence of "imperial cynicism."
The increase in the reward was announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated that the U.S. remains committed to bringing Maduro, who has been Cuba's key ally in recent decades, to justice. According to the indictment by the Southern District of New York, the Venezuelan leader is alleged to head the Cartel of the Suns, reportedly linked to FARC and other criminal organizations, responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine into the United States.
Bondi emphasized that this measure is also a response to Maduro's contentious re-election in July 2024, which Washington and several governments in the hemisphere have deemed fraudulent, instead recognizing opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela.
Havana has consistently supported the Chavista regime since its rise to power, and its staunch defense of Maduro underscores the political and strategic alliance between the two governments. The U.S.'s intensified actions against Caracas threaten to exacerbate tensions with Cuba, which is already under sanctions and restrictions imposed by Washington.
Meanwhile, the State Department maintains that Maduro "will not escape justice" and will be held accountable for "his heinous crimes," leaving open the possibility of further measures to isolate him on the international stage.
Key Questions on U.S. Actions Against Maduro
Why has the U.S. increased the reward for Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. increased the reward to $50 million to intensify its efforts in capturing or convicting Maduro, who is accused of drug trafficking and terrorism. This move also responds to his controversial re-election, which the U.S. and several governments consider fraudulent.
What is the Cartel of the Suns?
The Cartel of the Suns is alleged to be a Venezuelan drug trafficking organization reportedly led by Nicolas Maduro, with supposed ties to FARC and other criminal groups responsible for smuggling large amounts of cocaine into the U.S.
How has Cuba responded to the U.S. actions against Venezuela?
Cuba has strongly condemned the U.S.'s actions, with officials calling the increased bounty an act of aggression and an illegitimate maneuver, reflecting the close political and strategic ties between Cuba and Venezuela.