The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, on Tuesday condemned what he called "the current military escalation in the Caribbean" while sharply criticizing the United States following its designation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several high-ranking officials of his regime as members of an international terrorist organization.
In a post on his X account, Rodríguez asserted, "Cuba denounces the current military escalation in the Caribbean in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its full support for Venezuela," referring to Washington's offensive against drug trafficking in the region.
The Cuban Foreign Minister directly challenged Secretary of State Marco Rubio with a remark that has resonated across social media.
"Does anyone really think he will join young soldiers in risking their lives for a battle that isn't theirs? Ask him if he's ever served in the military," he penned.
Rodríguez appealed to "the American people to stop this madness," in reference to Operation Southern Spear, a military maneuver led by the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, currently stationed in the Caribbean.
This statement from Rodríguez came after the U.S. government officially designated the Venezuelan leader and several of his officials as part of a terrorist network linked to the Cártel de los Soles, an organization led by Chavista military figures involved in drug trafficking, according to the State Department.
The notice, published on Monday, November 24, in the Federal Register, provides "new tools" for Washington to bolster its military campaign in the Caribbean, where over 15,000 soldiers and F-35 jets are engaged in anti-drug operations.
In recent weeks, the U.S. fleet has destroyed around twenty drug boats in targeted bombings. President Donald Trump has not confirmed any imminent actions, but some sources suggest that the second phase of the military initiative could commence in the coming days, potentially involving covert missions in Venezuelan territory.
The State Department claims its aim is to curb drug trafficking and dismantle criminal networks linked to high-ranking Chavista officials, while in Caracas and Havana, there are fears that this may be an overture to a campaign to overthrow Nicolás Maduro.
Key Questions on U.S. Military Strategy in the Caribbean
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a military maneuver led by the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
Why does the U.S. consider Nicolás Maduro's regime a terrorist organization?
The U.S. designates Nicolás Maduro's regime as a terrorist organization due to its alleged connections with the Cártel de los Soles, a drug trafficking network led by Chavista military officials.
How is the U.S. military involved in the Caribbean?
The U.S. military is engaged in anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, deploying over 15,000 soldiers and F-35 jets to dismantle drug trafficking networks.