Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a former Cuban spy now serving as the national coordinator for the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), has sharply criticized the United States for its recent anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. US forces have targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking, drawing Hernández's ire.
In a social media post, Hernández contrasted these operations with a recent incident involving the seizure of an oil tanker carrying sanctioned crude, which was conducted without casualties. He questioned the necessity of lethal force in actions against alleged drug traffickers.
“If they can seize a massive oil tanker without harm, why can’t they capture boats supposedly loaded with drugs, instead of killing their crews like dogs?” the Cuban official expressed.
Escalating US Presence in the Caribbean
Hernández's statements come amid an increased military presence by the United States in the Caribbean, where it claims to be launching an offensive against drug trafficking networks linked to criminal organizations and groups identified as terrorists. Recent weeks have seen deadly operations against vessels in international waters, resulting in numerous fatalities.
The US government argues these actions are essential to safeguarding national security and curbing the drug flow into its territory. However, both the Cuban and Venezuelan regimes have condemned these moves as a covert military escalation, intended to exert political pressure on Caracas and its regional allies.
Aligning with Official Cuban Narrative
As one of Cuba's “Five Heroes,” Hernández has been a vocal defender of the Cuban and Venezuelan governments against US accusations, particularly during the current geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean. His remarks reflect the Cuban regime's stance, accusing the US of unilateral actions and violating international law under the guise of anti-drug efforts.
Meanwhile, Washington maintains that it will persist with its operations in the region as part of its hemispheric security strategy. The exchange of accusations underscores the worsening political discourse between Havana and Washington, as the Caribbean emerges as a focal point of geopolitical conflict in the hemisphere.
Key Questions on US-Cuba Tensions in the Caribbean
What are the recent US anti-drug operations in the Caribbean?
The United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, conducting operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. These actions are part of an effort to dismantle networks linked to criminal and terrorist groups.
Why has Gerardo Hernández criticized these US operations?
Gerardo Hernández has criticized these operations, arguing that the US uses excessive force, treating suspected traffickers harshly. He questions why lethal measures are necessary when non-lethal methods have been successfully employed in other situations.
How does the Cuban government view US actions in the Caribbean?
The Cuban government views US actions in the Caribbean as a unilateral escalation and a violation of international law, seeing it as a pretext for exerting political pressure on Venezuela and its allies.