Cuba has levelled a grave accusation against the United States, alleging that a covert US operation in Venezuela resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers. The claim, made by a senior Cuban official, adds a new layer of tension to the long-strained relations between Washington and Havana.
The Allegations from Havana
According to Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the incident was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of hostile US actions. The minister stated that the officers were killed during what he described as a US "special operation" inside Venezuelan territory. He did not provide a specific date for the alleged operation but framed it within the context of ongoing US pressure campaigns against both Cuba and Venezuela.
Fernández de Cossío linked this accusation to the US government's longstanding sanctions regime and its designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. He argued that such labels and actions create a permissive environment for aggressive acts against Cuban citizens and interests abroad. The Cuban government presented this allegation as evidence of Washington's continued aggression, despite diplomatic engagements.
Context of US-Cuba-Venezuela Relations
The triangular relationship between the United States, Cuba, and Venezuela is historically complex and antagonistic. The US maintains severe economic sanctions on both Cuba and the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Washington recognises opposition figure Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate leader.
Cuba and Venezuela are close allies, with Havana providing Caracas with medical personnel and security advisors for years in exchange for subsidised oil. The US has repeatedly accused Cuba of propping up the Maduro regime by providing intelligence and security support. This latest allegation from Cuba inverts that narrative, portraying its personnel in Venezuela as victims of US interventionism.
The timing of the accusation is notable, as it comes amidst a fragile period in US-Cuba relations. While there have been some limited discussions on migration, the fundamental disagreements over sanctions, Cuba's political system, and its international alliances remain deeply entrenched.
Diplomatic Repercussions and Next Steps
This serious claim is likely to further freeze any potential thaw between the United States and Cuba. By publicly stating that 32 of its citizens were killed by US forces, Cuba has raised the stakes significantly. It frames the conflict not just as political or economic, but as a matter of national loss and sovereignty.
The immediate consequences are likely to include:
- A formal diplomatic protest from Cuba to the United States.
- Increased rhetoric from Havana condemning US foreign policy as violent and unlawful.
- A potential call for international investigations or condemnation in forums like the United Nations.
- A hardening of Cuba's position in any ongoing bilateral talks with the US.
As of now, there has been no immediate public response from the US State Department or the White House regarding these specific allegations. The Biden administration's policy towards Cuba has been marked by caution, maintaining most Trump-era sanctions while reopening some diplomatic channels. An accusation of this magnitude, if not addressed, could derail those limited efforts.
The international community, particularly regional bodies and nations with ties to both sides, will be watching closely. The claim underscores the volatile nature of great power competition in Latin America and the human cost often cited by the nations caught in the middle.
