Cuba is reeling after the US military's decisive strike on Venezuela, capturing leader Nicolás Maduro. The bold move has sparked concerns in Havana that Cuba could be next in line for US intervention. Miguel Diaz-Canel, the Cuban President, assured supporters at a protest in Havana that the Cuba-Venezuela alliance remains strong, despite the US action.

The capture of Maduro represents a significant blow to Cuba's government. For decades, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuela’s oil support to sustain its economy. With Maduro now in US custody and the Trump administration's aggressive stance, the island's leadership is under pressure.

Reactions in Cuba vary, with many citizens anxious about the ease of the US operation. Some are concerned about Cuba's limited military capabilities compared to Venezuela's well-funded defences. The Cuban government reported that 32 of its citizens were killed defending Maduro during the US operation, leading to two days of mourning in the country.

The alliance between Cuba and Venezuela has been pivotal since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Venezuela provided Cuba with much-needed oil, while Cuba offered intelligence, economic advice, and healthcare professionals in return. The bond intensified under Hugo Chavez and continued through Maduro's regime.

This latest US action has put true stress on the relationship, raising fears of increased US intervention in Latin America. As Peter Kornbluh, an expert on Cuban-American relations, noted, the Trump administration's success could push its regime-change agenda further, targeting other nations in the region.

Cuba is already struggling with significant internal problems, including prolonged power outages and severe food shortages. The possible end of Venezuelan support threatens to worsen these issues, leaving Cuba more isolated than ever since the fall of the Soviet Union. The looming threat of US military intervention adds to the uncertainty, leaving many wondering what steps Havana will take next, reported CNN.

Key Takeaways

• The US military's capture of Nicolás Maduro has unsettled Cuba, raising fears of its vulnerability.

• The Cuban-Venezuelan alliance, critical for Cuba's survival, faces unprecedented challenges.

• Internal challenges in Cuba, combined with external threats, create significant uncertainty for the island's future.

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Maduro Removed, Venezuela on Edge as Future Unclear

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2026-01-07

 

 

Remember Bay of Pigs? Russia sort of has its hands full but will they defend Cuba from the US? I wouldn't want to bet they don't. This might be just the provocation they need to start WWIII.

On 1/7/2026 at 6:22 AM, webfact said:

Cuba is already struggling with significant internal problems, including severe food shortages.

Food shortages? Maybe not for the Regime supporters, they look kind of chubby to me...

Wouldn't it be fun if it took an incompetent nitwit like Trump to bring the 67-year-old incompetent Castro regime crashing down!