Cuban writer and musicologist Carlos Olivares Baró, who has been living in exile in Mexico for the past 40 years, has called for a "surgical" military intervention to dismantle the power structure in Cuba. He likened this action to the measures taken against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, dismissing any possibility of a peaceful, negotiated transition.
His remarks come shortly after the news broke about a meeting in Havana between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cuban G2 chief Ramón Romero Curbelo. Olivares described the meeting as "surprising" but expressed skepticism about its potential outcomes.
"They will not relinquish power through negotiations. We have to remove them from power, they need to be thrown out," asserted the writer, who was born in Guantánamo in 1950, during an interview with Tania Costa.
Urgency for Military Action
Olivares emphasized the urgent need for military action in Cuba. "We have to strike now, and that will settle the matter. It must be done immediately," he stated.
He made a clear distinction between aggression against the Cuban people and an attack aimed at the regime's structure. "It's important for the Cuban people to understand that any potential aggression is not against them, but against the power structure," he clarified.
Support and Criticism
Although aware of the gravity of his stance, Olivares maintained it firmly. "Intervention would be terrible, but it is necessary," he declared.
He further noted that the CIA is already aware of the key points within the power structure, making a precise action feasible.
Internal Crisis and International Response
Olivares described the internal situation in Cuba as reaching a breaking point. In response to protests over electricity and fuel shortages, the regime resorts to police repression. He pointed out with irony, "They have no oil, but they always have oil for patrols to repress."
The writer also criticized the Latin American left and specifically Mexico's president for supporting the Cuban regime. "It is utterly, I would say, disgraceful that the president of Mexico supports this dictatorship. Absolutely disgraceful," he commented.
He also rejected Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez's claims that Cuba is "a different democracy." Olivares firmly stated, "Cuba is neither democratic nor different in any way. There has been no democracy in Cuba for sixty-seven years."
Growing Debate on Military Intervention
The debate around a potential military intervention in Cuba has intensified in 2026 among various figures. Former Congressman Carlos Giménez criticized those opposing intervention, asserting that "they have never sided with the Cuban people."
Spanish politician Rocío Monasterio called for a "humanitarian military action" on the island on May 4. Analyst Sebastián Arcos did not rule out a military operation if the regime does not relinquish power by other means, while Democratic candidate Robin Peguero conditioned his support on extreme circumstances such as a direct aggression against the United States or a bloody repression.
"The Cuban people have never been considered. The Cuban people have never been consulted," Olivares concluded, summarizing his view on the six and a half decades of dictatorship on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Intervention in Cuba
What is Carlos Olivares's stance on military intervention in Cuba?
Carlos Olivares advocates for a "surgical" military intervention to dismantle the power structure in Cuba, similar to actions taken against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
Why does Olivares believe military action is necessary?
Olivares argues that the regime will not surrender power through negotiations, and a military intervention is necessary to remove them from power.
How has the international community responded to the idea of military intervention in Cuba?
The idea has sparked debate, with some figures like former Congressman Carlos Giménez supporting intervention and Spanish politician Rocío Monasterio calling for humanitarian military action, while others are more cautious.