The Cuban government has made an urgent appeal for international backing to avert a potential conflict between the United States and Venezuela. This call comes in response to what Havana perceives as a mounting series of military and political maneuvers aimed at undermining Nicolás Maduro’s administration, a crucial ally for Cuba.
On September 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba released a statement accusing Washington of orchestrating a “direct military assault” on Venezuela. The alleged objective is to seize control over the South American nation's oil reserves and other natural resources.
The statement highlights the recent deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean as a provocative act designed to provoke a military confrontation, thereby forcing Venezuela to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Cuban officials, actions against civilian vessels, the interception of ships, and the increased military presence in the Caribbean violate international law and are part of a “hostile and irresponsible” campaign by the U.S. government.
Additionally, Cuba has criticized the dissemination of psychological warfare messages aimed at justifying these actions to the international community. The Cuban Foreign Ministry has laid blame on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sympathetic congress members for attempting to impose their agendas through force in the region, drawing parallels to actions in Gaza.
The Cuban administration warned that a direct military intervention in Venezuela could have catastrophic repercussions for peace, stability, and security throughout Latin America. Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized on the social media platform X the necessity for global mobilization to prevent aggression and maintain Latin America and the Caribbean as a peace zone. He reiterated that the true aim of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean is to seize Venezuelan oil and resources.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also voiced concerns on the same platform, condemning the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean as a genuine threat to regional peace, stability, and security. He insisted this move seeks to create conditions to justify military action against Venezuela.
Cuba has urged the international community to distinguish “lies from reality” and has called on governments and international bodies to take measures to prevent a war that could have devastating impacts on Latin America and the Caribbean.
In recent weeks, the Cuban government has ramped up its warnings about a possible U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, a narrative gaining traction after the increased presence of U.S. vessels in the Caribbean, described as a “serious threat to regional peace.”
Miguel Díaz-Canel reiterated these concerns, accusing the U.S. of mobilizing troops in the Caribbean with aggressive intentions against Nicolás Maduro's government. The tension heightened following Caracas' announcement of deploying thousands of military personnel in strategic areas, including a crucial archipelago for maritime control.
This move was framed as a defensive response to alleged foreign intervention plans aiming to “appropriate Venezuela’s oil and natural resources,” according to Cuban spokespersons. Amid escalating rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. had sunk three vessels operating near Venezuelan waters, fueling allegations of military provocations.
On the other hand, the Venezuelan opposition has responded, with statements from María Corina Machado suggesting that Venezuela is “on the verge of freedom,” hinting at a possible collapse of the Maduro regime.
Key Questions About the U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
What are Cuba's main concerns regarding U.S. actions in the Caribbean?
Cuba is primarily concerned that the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is a provocation intended to instigate a conflict with Venezuela. Cuban officials claim it violates international norms and threatens regional peace.
How has Venezuela responded to the perceived threat from the United States?
Venezuela has increased its military presence in strategic areas, including an important archipelago, as a defensive measure against what it perceives as potential foreign intervention plans.
What is the international community’s role in this situation according to Cuba?
Cuba is urging the international community to take action to prevent a war, emphasizing the need to separate truth from misinformation and protect Latin America and the Caribbean from devastating consequences.