Amid escalating political turmoil and rising tensions in Venezuela, there are internal discussions about potentially bringing back the medical teams sent by Havana's regime to Cuba.
This alert comes in the wake of a report by journalist Mario Pentón, who shared a message on social media attributed to a Cuban collaborator in Venezuela. The message mentions the activation of an evacuation system and a potential return to the island in the coming weeks.
"We have to go back to Cuba. The evacuation system is now activated; it should happen soon. We don't know exactly when, but it should be this month. Kisses and blessings. Your dad," reads the text shared by Pentón.
The contents of this message have sparked discussions about the possible gradual withdrawal of Cuban medical brigades stationed in Venezuela.
This revelation comes at a time of heightened political and military tension in Venezuela, following the recent arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and increasing international pressure on the Chavista regime.
Cuba has been a significant political and operational ally of Caracas for over twenty years, including extensive deployment of medical, technical, and security personnel. Notably, 32 Cuban bodyguards lost their lives during the U.S. operation to capture dictator Nicolás Maduro.
In recent years, the presence of Cuban doctors—alongside sports and cultural brigades—in Venezuela has been fraught with controversy, stemming from allegations of coercive labor conditions and their strategic role within the alliance between Havana and Caracas.
In this context, the message suggests that precautions might be underway internally in response to a potential deterioration of the situation in Venezuela.
Should this evacuation be confirmed, it would signify a major shift in Cuban presence in Venezuela and could have humanitarian and political ramifications for the relationship between the two regimes.
For now, the message shared by Pentón serves as an early indication, pending official information to confirm the scope and authenticity of a possible withdrawal of Cuban medical brigades.
Cuban Medical Brigades and Venezuela's Crisis
What prompted the potential withdrawal of Cuban medical brigades from Venezuela?
The potential withdrawal is prompted by escalating political instability and tension in Venezuela, as well as international pressure on the Chavista regime.
Who reported the possible evacuation of Cuban medical teams?
Journalist Mario Pentón reported the possible evacuation, sharing a message on social media attributed to a Cuban collaborator in Venezuela.
How has Cuba been involved in Venezuela over the years?
Cuba has been a key ally of Venezuela, providing medical, technical, and security personnel as part of their long-standing political and operational alliance.