Cuban Security Forces Leave Venezuela as U.S. Pressure Reshapes Regional Politics

Post by : Saif Nasser

Cuban security advisers and medical workers are quietly leaving Venezuela at a time of major political change. This move comes as the United States increases pressure on the new leadership in Caracas to break long-standing ties with Cuba.

For many years, Cuba and Venezuela have shared a close political and security relationship. That bond began during the rule of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and continued under Nicolas Maduro. Cuban intelligence officers and security forces were deeply involved in protecting Venezuela’s leadership and supporting its military and counterintelligence services.

Now, that relationship appears to be changing.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has replaced Cuban security officers with Venezuelan bodyguards. Reports also say Cuban advisers have been removed from important roles inside Venezuela’s DGCIM counterintelligence unit. Some Cuban medical workers and security personnel have already returned to Cuba in recent weeks.

This shift follows a dramatic U.S. military operation on January 3 that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. According to the Cuban government, 32 Cuban personnel were killed during the operation. These forces had been part of a long-standing security agreement between the two countries.

The United States has made it clear that ending the security alliance between Venezuela and Cuba is a key goal. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated that Cuba would no longer provide “security services” to Venezuela in exchange for oil and financial support. Washington has also tightened restrictions on oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba, increasing economic pressure on the island nation.

For decades, Venezuela provided Cuba with oil. In return, Cuba sent doctors, nurses, sports coaches, and security experts. Thousands of Cuban professionals worked in Venezuela as part of social programs. The partnership helped both governments survive economic and political challenges.

Now, the future of that alliance is uncertain.

Some experts believe that Interim President Rodriguez is trying to balance different pressures. On one side, she faces demands from the United States to reduce Cuban influence. On the other, she must maintain political stability at home, where many top officials still support close ties with Havana.

Rodriguez has long been seen as friendly toward Cuba’s leadership. She recently spoke by phone with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and both sides publicly stated that their countries remain united. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also expressed solidarity with Venezuela during a memorial ceremony in Caracas.

However, behind the scenes, changes are happening. Several sources say that while some Cuban advisers remain, their presence is shrinking. Injured Cuban personnel have returned home, and others may be leaving as part of a careful political strategy.

Observers say Rodriguez is moving carefully. She may want to reduce Cuban involvement in sensitive security positions without completely ending the relationship. Such a move could help calm tensions with Washington while avoiding anger from powerful allies inside her own government.

The situation remains complex. Even if Cuban security advisers leave official posts, the influence built over years may not disappear quickly. Many senior Venezuelan officials were trained or supported by Cuban intelligence networks. That legacy still shapes the country’s political system today.

The departure of Cuban personnel marks an important moment in Latin American politics. The alliance between Caracas and Havana has long been seen as one of the strongest leftist partnerships in the region. If it weakens, the balance of power across the region could change.

For now, the world is watching closely. Venezuela stands at a crossroads, facing pressure from abroad and uncertainty at home. The choices made in the coming weeks could shape the future of both nations for years to come.