In a significant development, Cuban security advisors and medical personnel have started to leave Venezuela. This comes amid intense pressure from the United States for the government led by Delcy Rodríguez to distance itself from the Castro regime.
This strategic shift, confirmed by 11 sources close to the situation and reported by Reuters, marks a notable change in a relationship that was crucial for the political survival of Chavismo.
For years, Cuba not only received vital Venezuelan oil to support its economy but also embedded its intelligence agents within key structures of the Venezuelan security apparatus, including the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM), known for its role in suppressing dissent.
Now, this intricate network is beginning to be dismantled. According to Reuters, Delcy Rodríguez has reportedly shifted her security detail to Venezuelan bodyguards, unlike Nicolás Maduro and Hugo Chávez, who relied on elite Cuban forces for their personal protection.
Within the DGCIM, some Cuban advisors have been relieved of their duties. Concurrently, Cuban doctors and security advisors have returned to Cuba on flights resumed after the suspension of Venezuelan airspace.
The decision to remove Cubans from the presidential guard and sensitive counterintelligence areas had not been previously reported. It remains unclear whether this move was directly ordered by Rodríguez, initiated by Havana, or driven by external pressures. However, the pace of returns has picked up in recent days.
The catalyst for this withdrawal was the U.S. military operation on January 3, which resulted in the capture of Maduro and the death of 32 Cuban personnel. All were part of a deep security cooperation agreement that, since the late 2000s, allowed Havana to establish significant influence over Venezuelan military institutions—a fact Cuba has long denied.
U.S. President Donald Trump made his intentions to sever this strategic link clear. On Truth Social, he stated, "For many years, Cuba lived off large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NO MORE!"
According to the Reuters report, there has been a noticeable reduction in Cuban presence in critical areas. Although some military advisors and professors affiliated with the security university UNES remain in the country, U.S. sources assert that Havana's influence is waning, even as undercover agents may still be monitoring political developments.
This episode highlights the fragility of an alliance that for years supported two regimes criticized for their authoritarianism. The potential scaling back of Cuban support in intelligence and security apparatuses signifies a turning point in Venezuelan politics and Cuba's regional projection, as Washington bolsters its strategy to weaken the Caracas-Havana axis's influence in Latin America.
Impact of Cuban Withdrawal on Venezuela's Security
Why are Cuban security forces leaving Venezuela?
Cuban security forces are withdrawing due to significant pressure from the United States and a shift in the strategic relationship between Venezuela and Cuba.
What was the role of Cuban advisors in Venezuela?
Cuban advisors were embedded in key security structures, including the DGCIM, and were involved in providing protection to Venezuelan leaders and suppressing dissent.
How does the withdrawal affect the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela?
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the relationship, potentially reducing Cuba's influence in Venezuela and impacting the strategic Caracas-Havana axis.