Full Breakdown
Cuban Security Forces Withdraw from Venezuela Amid U.S. Pressure
2/21/2026, 8:30:23 PM
Cuban Personnel Departing Venezuela
Cuban security advisers and medical personnel are leaving Venezuela as the government of Interim President Delcy Rodriguez faces increasing pressure from the United States to dismantle its longstanding alliance with Cuba. Unlike her predecessors, Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez, who relied heavily on Cuban security forces, Rodriguez has opted for Venezuelan bodyguards for her protection. Reports indicate that some Cuban advisers have been removed from their posts within the Venezuelan military and the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM), which has historically played a crucial role in suppressing domestic opposition.
Context of U.S. Pressure
The withdrawal of Cuban personnel follows a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, that resulted in the capture of Maduro and the reported deaths of 32 Cuban personnel. This operation has intensified U.S. efforts to sever the security relationship between Venezuela and Cuba, which has been a cornerstone of the Chavista regime since the late 2000s. President Donald Trump has publicly vowed to end this alliance, stating that Cuba had long provided "security services" to Venezuelan leaders in exchange for oil.
Ongoing Relations and Strategic Calculations
Despite the withdrawal, some Cuban military advisers and medical professionals remain in Venezuela. Rodriguez has maintained diplomatic communications with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, emphasizing the continued unity and cooperation between the two nations. Analysts suggest that Rodriguez is navigating a delicate balance; she is distancing herself from Cuban influence while not completely severing ties. Frank Mora, a former U.S. ambassador, noted that Rodriguez is "treading very carefully" as she seeks to stabilize her hold on power.
Official Statements & Responses
A White House official commented on the situation, asserting that the U.S. has a "very good relationship with the leaders of Venezuela" and believes Rodriguez's interests align with U.S. objectives. The official also mentioned ongoing discussions with Cuban leaders, who have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue despite condemning the U.S. oil blockade.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the U.S. strategy of pressuring Venezuela to cut ties with Cuba could destabilize the region further. Some experts warn that while the Cuban presence is diminishing, the legacy of Cuban counterintelligence remains influential in Venezuelan politics, with Maduro's loyalists still in power.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Cuban influence was absolutely essential” to the survival of the Chavista government. — Alejandro Velasco, Associate Professor of History, New York University
- “Rodriguez is treading very carefully.” — Frank Mora, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States
- “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela.” — Donald Trump, Former U.S. President
Conclusion
The departure of Cuban security forces from Venezuela marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the region's leftist alliances. As Rodriguez navigates U.S. pressure and seeks to consolidate her power, the future of Venezuela's relationship with Cuba remains uncertain, with implications for both nations' political landscapes.
