Dr. Yusleivy Martínez Carmona, the head of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Venezuela, stated in a television interview that "all Cuban collaborators are safe, unharmed, and continuing their work as usual" following the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Yet, this optimistic narrative sharply contrasts with accounts gathered by Diario de Cuba (DDC), which depict panic, isolation, and orders for lockdown among healthcare professionals in the country.
During a live broadcast from Caracas on the Cuban Medical Brigade's Facebook page, Dr. Martínez Carmona emphasized that no medical facilities were damaged and that "integral diagnostic centers, rehabilitation rooms, and popular medical offices are fully operational."
Martínez Carmona claimed that all cooperants are "protected" and "in communication with their families in Cuba."
The meticulously crafted account, filled with familiar phrases from the propaganda machine, avoided acknowledging the Cuban casualties confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), which admitted on Monday to the deaths of 32 agents from the FAR and MININT during the January 3rd U.S. attack.
Instead, the mission chief spoke of "North American imperialist attacks," "U.S. government war groups," and "the discipline and heroism of the army in white coats," echoing the regime's rhetoric intended to convey calm and control.
Journalist Raúl Rodríguez Peña, who authored the report, reinforced this narrative by listing the pillars of official communication: "Normality and Commitment," "Total Operation of Our Services," "Security and Support for Each Collaborator," and "Ideological Firmness Against External Aggressions."
The Cuban Medical Brigade's Facebook post concluded by praising the medical mission as the "vanguard of solidarity," reminiscent of the old slogans of Cuban diplomacy during the Cold War.
Unmasking the Reality Behind Official Statements
However, the official statements starkly contrast with accounts from Cuban doctors reported by Diario de Cuba.
The independent outlet, which spoke with several cooperants under anonymity, reported that the mission leadership ordered a lockdown in homes and activated the PAMUSE protocol, an evacuation plan instructing workers to prepare backpacks with basic supplies, documents, and cash for potential emergency transfers.
"We are at home, unable to leave and awaiting instructions from the mission leadership, which has not spoken," a doctor in Caracas told DDC.
Another doctor, stationed in Miranda state, confirmed the activation of the emergency protocol and that coordinators requested readiness "in case evacuation becomes necessary."
The doctors also stated that the mission's management internally denied Maduro's capture, asserting that he "was in Miraflores," despite public confirmation by then-President Donald Trump.
The disconnect between reality and the official line exposes the secrecy and informational manipulation that envelop the medical missions, historically used by Havana as a political tool and revenue source.
Dr. Martínez Carmona, however, chose to highlight the "tranquility" and "optimism" among cooperants, assuring that Cuban authorities are in direct contact with them.
Nevertheless, his remarks clearly fit within a narrative control campaign launched by the regime following the acknowledgment of Cuban agent deaths in Venezuela.
While official media speak of "heroism" and "normality," on-the-ground testimonies describe fear, misinformation, and forced silence.
The official discourse seeks to project stability and strength, yet its persistent denial of any impact or risk reveals another reality: the regime's communication apparatus has been activated to downplay a diplomatic and humanitarian crisis striking at the heart of the Caracas-Havana alliance.
Insights into the Cuban Medical Brigade's Situation
What is the PAMUSE protocol?
The PAMUSE protocol is an evacuation plan for Cuban medical personnel that includes preparing backpacks with essential supplies, documents, and cash for possible emergency relocations.
How does the official narrative differ from the reality on the ground?
While the official narrative emphasizes calm and normalcy, testimonies from Cuban doctors describe a situation marked by fear, isolation, and orders for lockdown.
How are Cuban medical missions used by Havana?
Cuban medical missions have historically been utilized by Havana as political tools and sources of income, often enveloped in secrecy and propaganda.